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Nordvalen Lighthouse

Oc White/Red/Green 8s🇸🇪Umeå kommun, SEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Nordvalen Lighthouse

Completed in 1960, Nordvalen lighthouse is a 26-meter concrete tower standing 15.1 kilometers from Umeå, marking the center of the Gulf of Bothnia. Its cylindrical structure, painted with red and black horizontal bands, features two galleries and a helipad on top. The lighthouse emits an occulting white, red, or green light on an 8-second cycle, visible for 14.1 nautical miles. Situated about 3 kilometers southeast of the Holmögadd lighthouse, it serves maritime traffic midway between Sweden and Finland. The site is open to visitors, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: Nordvalen is essential for safe navigation in the central Gulf of Bothnia, guiding vessels between Sweden and Finland. Its directional light system clearly marks safe routes and warns of hazards in this active shipping area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red/Green 8s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Oc WGR 8s
Focal Height
24m
Light Range
17NM (31.5 km)
Geographic Range
14.1NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1960

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
26m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
with red and black horizontal bands
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with two galleries and a helipad on top

Location

City
Umeå kommun
Country
🇸🇪Sweden
Region
Västerbotten County
Sea Region
center of the Gulf of Bothnia (midway between Sweden and Finland) about 3 km (2 mi) southeast of the Holmögadd lighthouse
Latitude
63.5358°
Longitude
20.7767°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Umea(15.1 km)
Admiralty No.
C5874
NGA No.
116-11248
ARLHS No.
SWE050
Wikidata
Q10602253 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Nordvalen Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 24 meters and a nominal range of 17 nautical miles (approximately 31.5 km), Nordvalen is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Nordvalen Lighthouse at night?+
Nordvalen displays the characteristic Oc White/Red/Green 8s. 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/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Nordvalen Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Nordvalen Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Holmsund at 15.4 NM to the NW. Other ports served include Obbola (15.4 NM NW), KLOBBSKAT (16.2 NM SSE), BYVIKEN (16.3 NM N), Umeå (22.7 NM NW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Nordvalen Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Nordvalen 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 Nordvalen Lighthouse?+
Nordvalen 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 Nordvalen Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Nordvalen 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.