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Ryvingen Lighthouse

Fl (4) White 40s🇳🇴Lindesnes, NOOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ryvingen Lighthouse

Constructed in 1867, Ryvingen Lighthouse stands as Norway's southernmost light station on the island of Låven, southeast of Mandal. The 23-meter cylindrical tower, built from cast iron, displays a white light with a single white horizontal band on its red exterior. Its operational lantern room and gallery are attached to a 1-1/2 story crew quarters building. This facility guides vessels with a white flash every 40 seconds, visible for 19 nautical miles. The station, staffed until 2002, was the first in Norway to be converted to electric power in the 1890s.

Why it matters: Ryvingen Lighthouse is significant as Norway's southernmost light station, marking the entrance to the Skagerrak and the southern coast. Its early adoption of electricity in the 1890s demonstrates a pioneering role in modernizing Norwegian lighthouse technology.

Background
Ryvingen Lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse located on the 0.4-square-kilometre (99-acre) island of Låven in the North Sea. It is the southernmost lighthouse in Norway. It is located in the municipality of Lindesnes in Agder county. The island lies about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) southeast of the town of Mandal, marking the east side of the fjord leading to Mandal. The west side of the fjord is marked by the Hatholmen Lighthouse.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (4) White 40s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Flash Count
4 flashes
Interval
40s
Raw Code
Fl W 40s
Focal Height
52m
Geographic Range
19NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1867

Significant events: first Norwegian lighthouse to be converted to electricity (1890s), staffed until 2002, transferred to the town of Mandal

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Mandal(3.6 km)
Admiralty No.
B3014
NGA No.
1572
ARLHS No.
NOR-191
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q1780632 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
23m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red with one white horizontal band
Material
cast iron

Structure: round cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, attached to a 1-1/2 story crew quarters building

Location

City
Lindesnes
Country
🇳🇴Norway
Region
Agder
Sea Region
Norway's southernmost light station, on an island about 5 km southeast of Mandal
Latitude
57.9680°
Longitude
7.4916°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ryvingen Lighthouse at night?+
Ryvingen displays the characteristic Fl (4) White 40s — 4 white flashes every 40 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Ryvingen Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ryvingen Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Mandal at 3.2 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Kvåfjord (7.2 NM WNW), Båly (11.6 NM WNW), Høllen (12 NM ENE), Søgne (12.4 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ryvingen Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ryvingen 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 Ryvingen Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ryvingen 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.