Kya Lighthouse, Heritage lighthouse in Osen, Norway.
Kya Lighthouse is a cylindrical red tower on the small island of Sønnaholmen, rising about 23 meters above the surrounding waters. The structure features a cast iron construction mounted on a stone base, with a light system designed to guide maritime traffic from far away.
This structure was built in 1920 to serve the navigational needs of the Norwegian coast and was automated in 1958. The shift to automation eliminated the need for lighthouse keepers to live at this remote location full-time.
The lighthouse reflects the maritime traditions that shaped Norway's coastal communities and their reliance on navigation aids for survival. Visitors see how local seafaring practices depended on such structures to guide ships safely through treacherous waters.
The lighthouse sits on an island that is only accessible by boat from the mainland village of Osen. Visitors should plan their visit based on water conditions and tides, as weather can affect the ability to reach it.
The light is turned off from mid-May through late July because the midnight sun provides enough natural illumination for navigation during this period. This seasonal adjustment reflects how far north the location sits in Norway.
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