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Stavernsodden Lighthouse

Oc 10s🇳🇴Larvik, NOOperational

Location & Light Range

About Stavernsodden Lighthouse

Built in 1855, the Stavernsodden lighthouse is a cylindrical granite tower standing 4 meters tall. Its focal height reaches 43.9 meters, and it originally offered a geographic range of 17.7 nautical miles. The lighthouse emitted three white, red, and green flashes every 10 seconds. It was deactivated in 1874, only 19 years after its first illumination, and its lantern was subsequently removed. The tower is situated on a small island near the entrance to Larviksfjorden, close to the town of Stavern.

Why it matters: As a rare example of early Norwegian lighthouse construction from 1855, its granite, cylindrical design is historically significant. Its brief operational period also illustrates the rapid technological advancements and increasing navigational demands of the 19th century.

Background
Stavernsodden Lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse in Larvik Municipality in Vestfold county, Norway. The lighthouse sits on a small island just off the coast of the town of Stavern, at the entrance to the Larviksfjorden. It was first lit in 1855, and was automated in 1984. The lighthouse was listed as a protected site in 1997.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc 10s
Flash Type
Occulting
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Oc(3) WRG 10s
Focal Height
43.9m
Light Range
14.9NM (27.6 km)
Geographic Range
17.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1855

Significant events: Inactive since 1874, lantern removed

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Stavern(0.9 km)
Admiralty No.
B2582
NGA No.
115-820
ARLHS No.
NOR225
Wikipedia
Read on Wikipedia →
Wikidata
Q4567676 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
4m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Material
granite

Structure: round cylindrical granite tower; lantern removed

Location

City
Larvik
Country
🇳🇴Norway
Region
Vestfold
Latitude
58.9875°
Longitude
10.0522°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Stavernsodden Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 43.9 meters and a nominal range of 14.9 nautical miles (approximately 27.6 km), Stavernsodden is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Stavernsodden Lighthouse at night?+
Stavernsodden displays the characteristic Oc 10s. 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.
Which ports and harbors does Stavernsodden Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Stavernsodden Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Stavern at 0.7 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include Larvik (3.4 NM N), Nevlunghamn (5.9 NM WSW), Svartebukt (7 NM WNW), Thorøya (8.8 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Stavernsodden Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Stavernsodden 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 Stavernsodden Lighthouse?+
Stavernsodden 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 Stavernsodden Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Stavernsodden 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.