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Virpiniemi Range Rear Lighthouse

Fl White 6s🇫🇮Oulu, FIOperational

Location & Light Range

About Virpiniemi Range Rear Lighthouse

Built in 1939, the Virpiniemi Range Rear lighthouse is a 13-meter tall cylindrical steel skeletal tower with a triangular base. It features a red tower with a yellow vertical stripe and a rectangular daymark. The light emits a single white flash every 6 seconds and has a geographic range of 11.3 nautical miles. This structure guides vessels approaching Virpiniemi harbor from the north, approximately 25 km northwest of Oulu. The site is open to the public, but the tower itself is closed.

Why it matters: This range light is indispensable for vessels navigating the northern approaches to Virpiniemi's small boat harbor, ensuring safe entry for local and visiting mariners. Its distinctive triangular cylindrical skeletal structure, adorned with a red and yellow striped daymark, provides a unique visual landmark along the Finnish coast.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White 6s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White
Interval
6s
Raw Code
Fl W 6s
Focal Height
13m
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1939

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
13m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
red with a yellow vertical stripe
Material
steel

Structure: triangular cylindrical skeletal tower carrying a rectangular daymark colored red with a yellow vertical stripe

Location

City
Oulu
Country
🇫🇮Finland
Region
North Ostrobothnia
Sea Region
Virpiniemi harbor, guiding vessels approaching from the north, located about 25 km northwest of Oulu.
Latitude
65.1273°
Longitude
25.2360°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Pateniemi(4.1 km)
Admiralty No.
C4126.1
NGA No.
18664
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Virpiniemi Range Rear Lighthouse at night?+
Virpiniemi Range Rear displays the characteristic Fl White 6s. 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 Virpiniemi Range Rear Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Virpiniemi Range Rear Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is KIVINIEMI SOUTH at 2.4 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include Pateniemi (4.1 NM ESE), Haukipudas (4.3 NM NE), Halosenlahti (6.7 NM NNE), Uleåborg (Oulu) (8.4 NM SE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Virpiniemi Range Rear Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Virpiniemi Range Rear 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 Virpiniemi Range Rear Lighthouse?+
Virpiniemi Range Rear 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 Virpiniemi Range Rear Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Virpiniemi Range Rear 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.