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Tiirakari Lighthouse

VQ (2) White/Red/Green 3s🇫🇮Helsinki, FIOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tiirakari Lighthouse

Also known as: Tiirakari (Tirgrund) (Range Front)

The Tiirakari lighthouse is a square concrete tower, standing 7 meters tall, built on a small island southwest of Helsinki harbor. Established in 1903, the structure features a black base and a white pyramidal shape topped with a lantern and gallery. Its focal height is 6 meters above sea level. The light emits very quick flashes of white, red, or green every 3 seconds, indicating different sectors for navigation. This station is located on the northern tip of the island, 2.4 kilometers from the nearest port.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels through the complex approach to Helsinki harbor, with its directional and color-changing light providing critical navigational information.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
VQ (2) White/Red/Green 3s
Flash Type
Very Quick
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
3s
Raw Code
VQ(2) WRG 3s
Focal Height
6m
Light Range
6.5NM (12.0 km)
Geographic Range
8.9NM

Construction & History

First Lit
1903

Significant events: station established 1903

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with a black base
Material
concrete

Structure: square pyramidal concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Helsinki
Country
🇫🇮Finland
Region
Uusimaa
Sea Region
northern tip of a small island southwest of the entrance to Helsinki harbor
Latitude
60.1283°
Longitude
24.9264°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Helsinki(2.4 km)
Admiralty No.
C5160
NGA No.
14440
Wikidata
Q62062701 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Tiirakari Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 6 meters and a nominal range of 6.5 nautical miles (approximately 12.0 km), Tiirakari is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. As a shorter-range light, it primarily serves nearshore and coastal traffic.
How do mariners identify Tiirakari Lighthouse at night?+
Tiirakari displays the characteristic VQ (2) White/Red/Green 3s — 2 white/red/green flashes every 3 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 Tiirakari Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tiirakari Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sveaborg (Suomenlinna) at 1.7 NM to the E. Other ports served include Helsinki (2.5 NM NNE), LAAJASALO (3.9 NM NE), Salo (5.3 NM NE), Espoo (Esbo) (7.5 NM W). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tiirakari Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tiirakari 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 Tiirakari Lighthouse?+
Tiirakari 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 Tiirakari Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tiirakari 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.