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Rystraumen Lighthouse

Oc (2) White/Red/Green 8s🇳🇴Tromsø, NOOperational

Location & Light Range

About Rystraumen Lighthouse

Also known as: Rystraumen (Ryøystraumen, Storstraumen)

The Rystraumen lighthouse is a 7.5-meter steel tower with a white finish and a red lantern roof, standing 9.5 meters above sea level. It is located on the south coast of Kvaløya, marking a narrow channel between this island and Ryøy, approximately 4 km west of the Balsfjord's mouth. The square skeletal tower is covered by siding and features a lantern and gallery. Its operational light emits two white flashes and a combination of red or green light, cycling every 8 seconds, with a geographic range of 10.2 nautical miles. While the tower is closed to visitors, the site is accessible.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for vessels navigating the Rystraumen passage, guiding them through the narrow and potentially hazardous waterway between Kvaløya and Ryøy. Its directional light system ensures safe transit for maritime traffic entering and exiting the Balsfjord.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (2) White/Red/Green 8s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
8s
Raw Code
Oc(2) WRG 8s
Focal Height
9.5m
Geographic Range
10.2NM

Location

City
Tromsø
Country
🇳🇴Norway
Region
Troms
Sea Region
Located on the south coast of Kvaløya, marking a narrow passage between that island and the smaller island of Ryøy about 4 km west of the mouth of the Balsfjord.
Latitude
69.5581°
Longitude
18.7334°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Ramfjordnes(6.3 km)
Admiralty No.
L3626
NGA No.
13392

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7.5m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with red lantern roof
Material
steel

Structure: square skeletal tower, covered by siding, with lantern and gallery

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Rystraumen Lighthouse at night?+
Rystraumen displays the characteristic Oc (2) White/Red/Green 8s — 2 white/red/green flashes every 8 seconds. 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 Rystraumen Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Rystraumen Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ramfjordnes at 6.3 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Kaldfjord (7.5 NM N), Tromsdalen (8.1 NM NE), Tromsø (8.7 NM NE), Bellvika (13.5 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Rystraumen Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Rystraumen 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.
How can I track vessels near Rystraumen Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Rystraumen 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.