Fulehuk Lighthouse

Fulehuk Lighthouse (Fulehuk fyr) is a former coastal lighthouse in Færder Municipality, Vestfold county, in south-eastern Norway. It was first lit in 1821 and taken out of service in 1989, when an automatic light took over its job. Today it is a piece of living Norwegian maritime history that you can visit, and even stay the night in.

When was Fulehuk first lit?

The light was first switched on on 1 November 1821. The original tower was a square stone structure. The station earned its place in national history as the first lighthouse in Norway to use an Argand oil lamp, which gave a clearer and steadier beam than earlier lamps.

Why does it matter to Norway's coastal history?

In 1841 a hand-operated fog bell was installed here, the first fog signal on the Norwegian coast. It was later superseded: a foghorn arrived in 1910 and a siren in 1956. For sailors working along a rocky, fog-prone coastline, such warnings were a serious safety measure.

What was life like for the keepers?

Fulehuk was set up as a family station, with keepers living here with their families and running a small farm, which explains the barn and outbuildings. The big problem was the lack of any landing place or harbour, which made getting ashore difficult. A boat hoist was added in 1850, and in 1857 a rope was strung across the sound to help people climb ashore.

How did the station change in the 20th century?

The station was electrified in 1938. In 1949 it stopped being a family station and operated without resident keepers. In 1955 it was rebuilt completely: the 134-year-old stone tower was demolished and a new one put up. In 1989 the lighthouse was decommissioned, and a fully automatic beacon on a nearby island took over.

What is happening here today?

Since 2006 the association Fulehuks Venner (Friends of Fulehuk) has worked to bring new life to the station. It has been restored and now offers accommodation for up to 30 people, making it an appealing base for groups, families, and anyone interested in the sea and maritime heritage.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fulehuk still an active lighthouse? No. It was taken out of service in 1989, and an automatic beacon on a nearby island now does the job.

Can you stay overnight? Yes. After restoration, the station offers beds for up to 30 people.

Where is it? In Færder Municipality, Vestfold county, on Norway's south-eastern coast.

What makes Fulehuk stand out among Norwegian lighthouses? It was the first in Norway to use an Argand lamp and the first on the coast to have a fog signal, installed in 1841.

Who looks after the site? Since 2006, the Fulehuks Venner association.