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Ytre Kårkvika Lighthouse

Q white 3s🇳🇴Tromsø, NOOperational

Location & Light Range

About Ytre Kårkvika Lighthouse

Also known as: #Ytre Kårkvika (Meholmen)

The Ytre Kårkvika lighthouse, a 7-meter stone cairn topped with a white lantern and red roof, once marked the Kvalsundet passage. Located on Meholmen, a skerry between Kvaløya and Ringvassøya, its focal plane was 11 meters above sea level. The light emitted a quick white flash every 23 seconds. This structure guided vessels through the waters near Tromsø. Though operational since before 2018, the lantern has since been removed, and an offshore beacon now serves the passage. The original stone base remains visible.

Why it matters: The lighthouse was essential for safe navigation through the Kvalsundet strait, a waterway supporting local fishing and transport. Its remaining stone cairn represents a tangible link to the region's maritime history.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Q white 3s
Flash Type
Quick
Light Color
white
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Q.W. 23
Focal Height
11m
Geographic Range
5NM

Construction & History

Significant events: Inactive since 2018, lantern removed, replaced by offshore beacon

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
pyramidal
Tower Color
white with a red roof
Material
stone

Structure: A 7m lantern and gallery mounted on a stone cairn. The lantern is painted white with a red roof.

Location

City
Tromsø
Country
🇳🇴Norway
Region
Troms
Sea Region
Meholmen, a skerry in the Kvalsundet, the passage between Kvaløya and Ringvassøya
Latitude
69.8771°
Longitude
18.8583°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Tromvik(10.7 km)
Admiralty No.
L3649.3
NGA No.
13320
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Ytre Kårkvika Lighthouse at night?+
Ytre Kårkvika displays the characteristic Q white 3s. 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 Ytre Kårkvika Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Ytre Kårkvika Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Bellvika at 5.9 NM to the SSW. Other ports served include Vengsøy (6.3 NM WSW), Tromvik (11.2 NM WSW), Kaldfjord (11.9 NM SSW), Dåfjord (12.9 NM ENE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Ytre Kårkvika Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Ytre Kårkvika 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 Ytre Kårkvika Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Ytre Kårkvika 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.