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Pater Noster Lighthouse

Fl White 15s🇸🇪Tjörns kommun, SEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Pater Noster Lighthouse

Also known as: Pater Noster (Hamneskär)

A pyramidal cast iron skeletal tower with a lantern, gallery, and central cylinder, the Pater Noster lighthouse stands on the skerry of Hamneskär in the Skagerrak. Originally built and first lit in 1868, this 32-meter-tall structure served as a navigational aid for over a century. Its light was extinguished in 1977, leading to a period of deterioration. By the 1990s, a preservation group was formed to save the lighthouse. The tower was dismantled in 2002 for restoration and was reassembled and relit in 2007 after extensive work.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is significant as an example of 19th-century Swedish lighthouse engineering and for its complex restoration that transformed it into a cultural landmark.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 15s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
15s
Raw Code
Fl W 15s
Focal Height
15m
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1868

Significant events: Built 1868, Deactivated 1977, Deteriorated by 1990s, Preservation group formed, Dismantled and moved for restoration 2002, Restoration agreement signed 2004, Restored and reassembled 2006-2007, Reactivated 2007

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
32m
Tower Shape
skeletal
Tower Color
red
Material
cast iron

Structure: pyramidal cast iron skeletal tower with lantern, gallery, and central cylinder

Location

City
Tjörns kommun
Country
🇸🇪Sweden
Region
Västra Götaland County
Sea Region
A skerry named Hamneskär in the Skagerrak, approximately 7 km west of Marstrand.
Latitude
57.8957°
Longitude
11.4663°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Marstrand(4.0 km)
ARLHS No.
SWE-176
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Pater Noster Lighthouse at night?+
Pater Noster displays the characteristic Fl White 15s. 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 Pater Noster Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Pater Noster Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Marstrand at 3.8 NM to the E. Other ports served include Klädesholmen (4.1 NM NE), Rönnäng (4.1 NM NE), ASTOL (4.2 NM ENE), BLEKET (4.6 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Pater Noster Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Pater Noster 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 Pater Noster Lighthouse?+
Pater Noster 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 Pater Noster Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Pater Noster 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.