Eigerøy Lighthouse

Eigerøy Lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse in southwestern Norway, in Eigersund Municipality, Rogaland county. It stands on the small island of Midbrødøya, just west of the larger island of Eigerøya, at the approach to the town of Egersund. First lit in 1854 and automated in 1989, it is one of the most significant lighthouses in Norwegian maritime history.

Why was Eigerøy Lighthouse built?

Shipwrecks drove the decision. Between 1843 and 1851, four serious wrecks off Egersund claimed a combined total of 40 lives. Authorities concluded that vessels needed a clear landmark to steer them toward the town and to help with navigation along this stretch of coast. That led to the plan for a tower on Midbrødøya.

What makes it special?

Eigerøy is regarded as Norway's first cast iron lighthouse. The structure was made in modules at Bærums Verk, then shipped to the island and assembled on site. Because nobody was sure how a cast iron tower would handle the strong local winds, its interior was lined with bricks, about 70,000 of them. The success of the tower encouraged the building of further cast iron lighthouses along the Norwegian coast.

The tower is 32.9 m tall, and the light sits 46.5 m above sea level. It shows three white flashes every 30 seconds.

What happened after automation?

After automation in 1989 the station stood vacant. In 1998 the lighthouse complex was protected under the Norwegian cultural heritage act. In 2001 the Midtbø family leased it from Kystverket, the Norwegian Coastal Administration. The keeper's house has been restored, and a café opens on Sundays during the summer season. The island also hosts a bird station, established at the lighthouse in 1991.

Can you stay overnight?

Norwegian tourism websites list the lighthouse both as a sight to visit and as accommodation. Check conditions, dates and access with the operator before you travel.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Eigerøy Lighthouse? On Midbrødøya island, immediately west of Eigerøya, in Eigersund Municipality, Rogaland, Norway. Its coordinates are roughly 58.431 N, 5.868 E.

When was it built? It was established in 1854 and automated in 1989.

What is it made of? Cast iron, in modules produced at Bærums Verk. The inside is lined with about 70,000 bricks for added strength.

Is it protected? Yes. The lighthouse station has been under heritage protection since 1998.

Is there a café? A café operates on Sundays in the summer season, in the keeper's house.

How tall is the tower? It is 32.9 m tall, with the light 46.5 m above sea level.

Who is it for?

It suits anyone interested in engineering history, coastal photography or birdwatching, and travellers who want to see Norway's first cast iron lighthouse in its original seaside setting. Combine a visit with a walk around Egersund and the nearby islands.