Märket lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse on Märket island, Finland
Märket lighthouse is a navigational aid on a rocky island in the Baltic Sea, built from brick and granite. The cylindrical tower stands alone on the sparse terrain, forming the island's dominant feature.
The lighthouse was built in 1885 as a navigation aid for ships crossing the Baltic Sea. Until 1976, lighthouse keepers worked here, after which automation took over the operation.
Local lighthouse keepers and volunteers share stories about maritime navigation and seafaring traditions with visitors during summer months. These conversations give the place a human dimension beyond its practical role as a navigational aid.
The island is reachable only by boat, departing from a nearby harbor in the region, with round-trip journeys lasting several hours depending on sea conditions. Visitors should prepare for windy and wet weather and bring sturdy footwear.
The border between Finland and Sweden cuts across this island in an unusual Z-shaped pattern, specifically drawn to keep the lighthouse on Finnish soil. This quirky boundary line reflects a historical negotiation between the two nations over territorial waters.
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