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Mässkär Lighthouse

Fl White 12s🇫🇮Jakobstad, FIOperational

Location & Light Range

About Mässkär Lighthouse

Built in 1856, the Mässkär lighthouse is a 15-meter tall hexagonal pyramidal wooden tower. Its focal height reaches 17 meters above sea level. The red structure is topped with a pyramidal roof. It emits a single white flash every 12 seconds, visible for 12.4 nautical miles. The lighthouse is situated on the island of Mässkär, near the port of Pietarsaari, guiding vessels through the local archipelago.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is significant for its continued role in guiding vessels through the complex Finnish archipelago, ensuring safe passage in an area known for its numerous islands and navigational challenges. Its distinctive hexagonal pyramidal wooden structure, dating back to 1856, represents a particular style of lighthouse construction from that era, making it a notable example of maritime engineering.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 12s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
12s
Raw Code
Fl W 12s
Focal Height
17m
Geographic Range
12.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1856

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Pietarsaari(3.9 km)
Admiralty No.
C4214.3
NGA No.
18197
ARLHS No.
FIN-040

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
15m
Tower Shape
pyramidal
Tower Color
red
Material
wood

Structure: hexagonal pyramidal wood tower with a pyramidal roof

Location

City
Jakobstad
Country
🇫🇮Finland
Region
Ostrobothnia
Latitude
63.7291°
Longitude
22.5846°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Mässkär Lighthouse at night?+
Mässkär displays the characteristic Fl White 12s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Mässkär Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Mässkär Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Pietarsaari (Jakobstad) at 3.1 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Alholmen (3.5 NM ESE), BOSUND (9.8 NM NE), Uusikaarlepyy (Nykarleby) (11.8 NM S), Yxpila (13.4 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Mässkär Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Mässkär Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Mässkär Lighthouse?+
Mässkär Lighthouse is located within the Baltic Sea trade route — a vital shipping corridor for trade between Scandinavian, German, Polish, and Baltic state ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Mässkär Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Mässkär Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.