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Tarhalsen Lighthouse

Dir White/Red/Green 10s🇳🇴Hammerfest, NOOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tarhalsen Lighthouse

Tarhalsen Lighthouse stands on the northernmost point of Sørøya, atop a vertical cliff. This 10-meter cylindrical fiberglass tower, built in 1984, replaced a stone cairn that had served as a daymarker since the 1850s. The lighthouse emits a directional white, red, and green light on a 10-second cycle, which changes color based on the approach direction. Its focal height is 90 meters, and it has a geographic range of 23.8 nautical miles. The tower's lantern roof is red, contrasting with its white structure. The site is open to the public, though the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This lighthouse guides vessels around the exposed northernmost point of Sørøya, with its directional light system providing specific warnings for safe channels and hazards. The location has been a navigational aid since the 1850s, originally marked by a stone cairn.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Dir White/Red/Green 10s
Flash Type
Dir
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Dir WRG 10s
Focal Height
90m
Geographic Range
23.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1984

Significant events: Prior daymarker cairn built in 1850s

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white, lantern roof red
Material
fiberglass

Structure: round cylindrical fiberglass tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Hammerfest
Country
🇳🇴Norway
Region
Finnmark
Sea Region
northernmost point of Sørøya, atop a vertical cliff
Latitude
70.8691°
Longitude
23.3137°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Melkoya(12.6 km)
Admiralty No.
L3826
NGA No.
13820
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tarhalsen Lighthouse at night?+
Tarhalsen displays the characteristic Dir White/Red/Green 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. The white/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tarhalsen Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tarhalsen Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Akkarfjord at 5.8 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include Melkøya (12.4 NM SSE), Forsøl (13.5 NM SE), Tufjorden (13.9 NM NE), Hammerfest (14.1 NM SSE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tarhalsen Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tarhalsen 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 Tarhalsen Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tarhalsen 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.