Kokkola Lighthouse
Keski-Pohjanmaa
Tankar Lighthouse stands on Tankar Island in the Bay of Bothnia, approximately 17 kilometers from Kokkola. Constructed in 1889 and electrified in 1961, it remains Finland's most powerful lighthouse, with a light visible up to 27.5 nautical miles. The iron tower, manufactured in Germany and assembled on site, features 122 steps and a lantern made by Henry Lepautet's Parisian factory, notable for its advanced optics. The island itself rose from the sea due to land uplift around the 13th century and has a rich maritime history, initially serving seal hunters and fishermen. Before the lighthouse, a fire beacon maintained by local fishermen helped guide ships. The island hosts a variety of historic buildings, including a church from 1754 and the oldest fisherman's cottage from 1768, many of which are protected. Today, visitors can explore the lighthouse during guided tours on summer lighthouse days, and enjoy the island's nature trails and birdwatching station operated by BirdLife Keski-Pohjanmaa. The island also features a seal hunting museum, guest harbor, café, and grill shelter, making it a unique cultural and natural attraction in the region.
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Tip: Visit Tankar Lighthouse during the summer lighthouse days when guided tours are available, as the lighthouse lens is closed to the public for safety. Groups are limited to six people, and visitors over 15 years pay a small entrance fee. Booking in advance is recommended due to limited group sizes. Summer offers the best weather and access, with boat trips from Kokkola. In some winters, the island is reachable by car over a cleared snow track. Bring binoculars for birdwatching along the island's nature trail.
Interesting facts
- •Tankar Lighthouse is Finland's most powerful lighthouse with a light range of 27.5 nautical miles.
- •The lighthouse tower has 122 steps and is made of iron elements manufactured in Germany.
- •Before the lighthouse, fishermen maintained a fire beacon called 'lyysi' to guide ships.
- •In 1903, a mechanical foghorn system used small dynamite charges every ten minutes during fog.
- •The island has a bird ringing station that bands approximately 1,500 birds annually.
- •Tankar Island's oldest fisherman's cottage dates back to 1768 and the island church to 1754.
History
Tankar Island emerged from the sea around the 1200s due to post-glacial land uplift.
Initially inhabited by seal hunters and fishermen in the 1500s, it became a maritime landmark with a stone cairn and iron poles holding barrels as beacons.
The island's name evolved from "Tankokari" to "Tankar" reflecting this maritime heritage.
The lighthouse was built in 1889 with iron elements from Germany and a sophisticated French lens, replacing earlier fire beacons maintained by local fishermen.
In 1903, a mechanical fog signal was installed, including explosive charges to warn ships during foggy conditions.
The lighthouse was electrified in 1961, greatly extending its light range, and remains operational as a vital navigational aid.
Place Guide
Tankar Lighthouse Tower1889
An iron lighthouse tower built in 1889 without intermediate landings, featuring 122 spiral steps leading to the lantern. The lantern houses a powerful lens made by Henry Lepautet's factory in Paris, originally one of the most efficient of its time.
Birdwatching Station
Operated by BirdLife Keski-Pohjanmaa, this station monitors bird migration and rings both breeding and migrating birds. It is located in the old coal shed on the island and bands around 1,500 birds annually.
Historic Fisherman's Cottage 'Sjöbloms bastu'1768
The oldest private building on Tankar Island, dating from 1768, originally used by fishermen during the seal hunting and fishing seasons.
Tankar Church1754
A wooden church built in 1754 located in the central part of the island, serving the local community and visitors.