Tahkuna Lighthouse
Hiiumaa
Tahkuna Lighthouse, located on the northern tip of the Tahkuna Peninsula in Hiiumaa, Estonia, is a striking metal conical tower standing 43 meters tall, making it the tallest lighthouse of its type in Estonia. Designed by British engineer Alexander Gordon, its prefabricated metal structure was manufactured in France in 1873 and assembled on-site by 1875. The lighthouse has remained largely unchanged since its construction, preserving its historical integrity. It features a lantern room and balcony at the top and serves as a vital navigational aid with a light visible up to 12 nautical miles, operating continuously throughout the year during darkness. The light’s characteristic cycle lasts 15 seconds, with alternating periods of illumination and eclipse, and is visible only from the northern sector, guiding vessels approaching from that direction. Nearby, visitors can find a memorial dedicated to children who perished in the Estonia ferry disaster. The lighthouse also holds cultural significance, having been commemorated on postage stamps issued in 1983 and 2015. Its accessibility via an internal staircase and the opportunity to explore the old lantern room add to its appeal as a tourist attraction on Hiiumaa island.
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Tip: The best time to visit Tahkuna Lighthouse is during the warmer months when weather conditions are favorable and the lighthouse is fully accessible. Visitors should consider purchasing tickets in advance through the Hiiumaa Museum website to ensure entry. The lighthouse operates year-round, but daylight hours and weather can affect the experience. Discounts may be available for groups, seniors, or children. Visitors are advised to wear suitable footwear for climbing the internal stairs and to check opening hours before planning their visit.
Interesting facts
- •Tahkuna Lighthouse is the tallest metal lighthouse structure in Estonia, standing at 43 meters.
- •Its prefabricated metal parts were manufactured in France before being assembled in Estonia in 1875.
- •The lighthouse’s light is visible up to 12 nautical miles but only from the northern sector between 95° and 253.5°.
- •The light operates on a 15-second cycle: it shines for 2 seconds, is eclipsed for 2 seconds, shines again for 2 seconds, then is eclipsed for 9 seconds.
- •Tahkuna Lighthouse has been featured on postage stamps issued in 1983 by the Soviet Union and in 2015 by Estonia.
- •Near the lighthouse stands a memorial dedicated to children who died in the Estonia ferry disaster.
History
Construction of Tahkuna Lighthouse began in 1873, based on a metal design by British engineer Alexander Gordon.
The prefabricated structure was manufactured in France and erected at its current location in 1875.
Since then, the lighthouse has remained unchanged, retaining its original metal conical form and serving as an important maritime navigational aid.
Over the years, it has witnessed significant maritime history, including being a symbol commemorated on postage stamps during the Soviet era and post-independence Estonia.
Adjacent to the lighthouse is a memorial for children who died in the Estonia ferry disaster, linking it to modern historical events.
Place Guide
Base and Internal Staircase
Visitors enter the lighthouse through a door at the base leading to a spiral staircase that ascends to the lantern room. The internal stairs provide access to various levels including the old lantern room and observation balcony.
Lantern Room and Balcony1875
At the top of the lighthouse is the lantern room housing the light apparatus and a balcony offering panoramic views of the surrounding sea and landscape. This area is accessible via the internal staircase.
Memorial to Estonia Ferry Disaster Children
Close to the lighthouse stands a memorial monument dedicated to the children who lost their lives in the Estonia ferry disaster, adding a poignant historical and emotional dimension to the site.
Contact
Phone: 5884 0140
