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The Bengtskär Lighthouse beckons visitors
Bengtskär: the Most Southern Tourist Attraction in Finland
The lighthouse was built in just nine months, which is quite an achievement considering the building techniques of the time. The lighthouse is made from granite, quarried from the island itself.
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Sailing Towards the Open Seas
The ferry is anchored to the rocky shore of the island. Under stormy conditions, landing here takes special skills. The ferry travels to Bengstkär from the beginning of May until the end of October. Trips are not undertaken under very stormy conditions.
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An Island of Smoothly Polished Rocks
It is difficult to come ashore on the steep rocky shores of the Bengtskär even when the sea is calm. However, experienced sailors like to visit the island every year: they know these shores and the safest coves.
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Ocean View from the Chapel Window
On the second floor of the lighthouse, there is a tiny chapel, where memorable weddings can be organised. The lighthouse accommodates 24 overnight guests.
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Living with Nature’s Rhythms
From the outdoor toilet at the Bengtskär lighthouse, there is an amazing view of the open sea and the ocean breezes take care of ventilation.
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The Many Faces of the Ocean
During calm summer weather, the sea is serene. But once autumn arrives, the waves can be as high as 15 metres, an ordeal that the lighthouse easily survives.
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The Bengtskär Lighthouse beckons visitors
Bengtskär lighthouse, the tallest one in Scandinavia, played an important role in both World Wars due to its strategic location near the mouth of the Gulf of Finland. The hardy lighthouse recovered from its bruises, and is today a part of Finnish cultural history.
It is easy to get to Bengtskär lighthouse from Hanko harbour: a ferry reaches the island in about an hour. During the trip, you can admire a mystical vision far in the horizon: a big lonesome lighthouse, standing on a small rocky island, rises ghostlike, seemingly out nothing.
When the lighthouse was completed in 1907, a five man crew was hired to live on the island: a lighthouse master, three lighthouse keepers and a fog horn operator. They lived on the island with their families for several years and seldom visited the mainland. The families were nearly self-sufficient: they had sheep, pigs and a small vegetable garden. Sometimes, during autumn storms, waves would wash over the whole island, sweeping away the valuable garden.
During a trip to the island lasting a couple of hours, you can take part in a tour, where the tragic tale of the island is told. After the tour, a lovely fish stew is served.
Coastal Areas & Archipelago
Coastal Finland with its stunningly beautiful archipelago offers a variety of fascinating destinations that are easy to reach. They all have their special characteristics and open up any number of various experiences for visitors.
