Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse, Coastal lighthouse in Hvaler, Norway
Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse is a granite tower on a small rocky island in Hvaler with a square shape and unpainted walls, topped by a red lantern. The structure sits exposed on bare rock and relies on solar power to operate its navigation light.
The lighthouse was built in 1872 to mark the eastern entrance to the Oslofjord and guide ships through these waters. In 1990 it became fully automated, ending the need for lighthouse keepers on site.
The lighthouse serves as a navigation landmark recognized by fishing crews and merchant vessels passing through these waters for over 150 years.
Access to the island is challenging and limited to calm weather conditions, with no regular visitor services or public boats to the site. The best time to visit is during warmer months when sea conditions are most favorable for small boat travel.
The lighthouse can only be maintained by helicopter due to its remote location on a rocky skerry with virtually no safe landing area. This unusual access method makes routine maintenance a specialized operation that few technicians experience.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
