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Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse

Fl White 10s🇳🇴Hvaler, NOOperational

Location & Light Range

About Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse

Built in 1872, Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse stands on a small skerry eight kilometers southwest of Utgard, Vesterøy. This cylindrical granite tower, painted dark gray, rises 18 meters and is 26 meters above sea level. The structure is designed in a schoolhouse style, with the tower emerging from the front of a 1-1/2 story granite keeper's house. The light emits a single white flash every 10 seconds, visible for 14.5 nautical miles. The station also includes an assistant keeper's house, engine house, and boathouse. Although the site is closed to the public, the lighthouse remains operational.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels entering the Oslofjord from the Skagerrak, working in conjunction with the Færder lighthouse to mark the fjord's entrance. Its unique architecture, with the tower rising from the keeper's house, is a notable example of lighthouse design.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 10s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
10s
Raw Code
Fl W 10s
Focal Height
26m
Geographic Range
14.5NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1872

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Hvaler(8.1 km)
Admiralty No.
B2219
NGA No.
0012
ARLHS No.
NOR-046

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
18m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
dark gray stone
Material
granite

Structure: square cylindrical granite tower with lantern and gallery, rising schoolhouse-style from the front of a 1-1/2 story granite keeper's house

Location

City
Hvaler
Country
🇳🇴Norway
Region
Østfold
Sea Region
frames the entrance to the Oslofjord from the Skagerrak, located on a small skerry about 8 km southwest of Utgard, Vesterøy
Latitude
58.9966°
Longitude
10.7820°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse at night?+
Torbjørnskjær displays the characteristic Fl White 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 color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Utgårdskilen at 5.8 NM to the NNE. Other ports served include Skjærhalden (7.9 NM E), Hvaler (8.1 NM ENE), Hvasser (11.5 NM WNW), VIKERKILEN ROAD (11.7 NM NNE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Torbjørnskjær 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 Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse?+
Torbjørnskjær 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 Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Torbjørnskjær 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.