Store Vadsøya Lighthouse

First lit in 1898, the Store Vadsøya Lighthouse stands on a hilltop overlooking Vadsø in Norway's Finnmark region. The current structure is a 3-meter tall octagonal lantern and snow screen, painted white with a red roof and set upon a concrete base. Its focal height reaches 26 meters, casting a light that is visible for 14.5 nautical miles. The light emits three white, red, or green flashes every 10 seconds, indicating its position to mariners. The lighthouse site is open to the public, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels into and out of the harbor at Vadsø, a key port in Finnmark. Its directional light system helps ships navigate specific channels and avoid hazards in the Arctic waters.