Russarö Lighthouse
Russarö Lighthouse (Finnish: Russarön majakka, Swedish: Russarö fyr) is a lighthouse situated on the island of Russarö, outside Hanko, Finland, at the western extremity of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea.[1][2] It is commonly known as Hangon silmä (lit. 'The Eye of Hanko').[3]
Earlier unilluminated daymarks and lighthouses existed on the spot, dating back to 1815.[2] The current lighthouse was built in 1863, making it one of the oldest surviving lighthouses in Finland.[3] It was the first in Finland to operate also during winter months, due to the Port of Hanko being in the 19th century the only port open throughout the year.[1]
Constructed of bricks and mortar over a granite base, the lighthouse is octagonal in shape and comprises five storeys.[3] The top floor features a beautiful vaulted ceiling.[1] The base is natural stone colour (brown), the main tower red.[2]
In the summer months, day cruises to the island of Russarö are operated from Hanko's Eastern Harbour.[3] However, due to the dilapidated state of the lighthouse, visitors are no longer allowed entry into the tower.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "Russarö". Majakkaseura.fi (in Finnish). Finnish Lighthouse Society. 21 March 2017. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ a b c Selitys Tulimajakoista, Tunnusmajakoista ja muista Merirasteista pitkin Suomen rannikkoa Koiviston salmelta Wiipurin läänissä Tornion kaupunkiin (in Finnish). Helsinki, Grand Duchy of Finland: Suomen luotsi- ja majakkalaitoksen Ylihallitus. 1891. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 9 February 2021.
- ^ a b c d "Risteilyjä Russaröhön". VisitHanko.fi (in Finnish). City of Hanko Tourist Office. Archived from the original on 9 February 2021. Retrieved 9 February 2021.