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Tistlarna Lighthouse

LFl (2) White/Red 15s🇸🇪Göteborgs Stad, SEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tistlarna Lighthouse

Tistlarna Lighthouse, built of masonry in 1905, stands on a small island in the Kattegat sea region, about 6 kilometers southwest of Vrångö. The structure is a 14-meter-tall, three-story square keeper's house painted white with black trim, topped by a gray metallic lantern dome. A skeletal mast beside the dome displays the active light. This light exhibits two white flashes or two red flashes every 15 seconds. The exterior was renovated in the 1940s after suffering weather damage, and in 1969, the light station converted from kerosene to electric power.

Why it matters: The lighthouse is important for safe passage through the Kattegat, a critical shipping lane connecting the North Sea to the Baltic. Its operational setup preserves an original Henry Lepaute Fresnel lens within the lantern while a modern light operates from an adjacent mast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
LFl (2) White/Red 15s
Flash Type
Long Flash
Light Color
White/Red
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
15s
Raw Code
LFl(2) WR 15s
Focal Height
23m
Light Range
18NM (33.3 km)
Geographic Range
13.8NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1905

Significant events: exterior damaged by weather and renovated during the 1940s, restored in 1969, converted from kerosene to electric power in 1969, light station buildings other than the lighthouse sold in 1991 and privately owned

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sandvik(4.7 km)
Admiralty No.
C0625
NGA No.
116-1160
ARLHS No.
SWE-392
Wikidata
Q10698694 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
14m
Tower Shape
square
Tower Color
white with black trim
Material
masonry

Structure: A 14m 3-story square masonry keeper's house with a large lantern and two galleries, painted white with black trim. The lantern dome is gray metallic. The light is shown from a skeletal mast beside the dome.

Location

City
Göteborgs Stad
Country
🇸🇪Sweden
Region
Västra Götaland County
Sea Region
small island in the Kattegat about 6 km southwest of Vrångö
Latitude
57.5944°
Longitude
11.6331°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Tistlarna Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 23 meters and a nominal range of 18 nautical miles (approximately 33.3 km), Tistlarna is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Tistlarna Lighthouse at night?+
Tistlarna displays the characteristic LFl (2) White/Red 15s — 2 white/red flashes every 15 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tistlarna Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tistlarna Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Sandvik, Styrsö at 4.3 NM to the ENE. Other ports served include Donsö (5.1 NM E), Vrångö (5.1 NM ESE), Öckerö (6.7 NM N), BJORKO FISHERY (8.4 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tistlarna Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tistlarna 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 Tistlarna Lighthouse?+
Tistlarna 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 Tistlarna Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tistlarna 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.