Marstein Lighthouse

Marstein Lighthouse stands on the island of Store Marstein, at the western edge of the Austevoll archipelago in western Norway. For generations it guided ships toward Bergen, and today it combines its role as a working aid to navigation with a place where visitors can eat, hold meetings and stay overnight. Few lighthouses sit so close to the open sea.

Where is Marstein Lighthouse?

Store Marstein lies at the southern entrance to Krossfjorden, just west of the larger island of Storakalsøy. The coordinates are roughly 60.13° N, 5.01° E, and the site belongs to Austevoll municipality in Vestland county. Nothing shelters the island from the North Sea, so weather can change quickly, and wind and waves are part of everyday life here.

What was the lighthouse for?

The light was established in the second half of the 19th century to steer ships toward Bergen, one of Norway's most important ports. Construction took about two years, mainly because of the harsh weather on such an exposed island. Over the following decades the station grew: an early red flashing light was replaced by a stronger white one, a fog signal was added, and later a radio beacon, a transmitter that helps ships navigate when visibility is poor.

The island's name, Marsteinen, is linked to an old Norse word for a boundary stone, which suits a place standing where land gives way to open water.

What happened during and after the war?

During the Second World War the station was bombed and destroyed. It was rebuilt afterwards, and the way it was run changed as well: instead of a family living on the island and tending the light, staff worked in rotation. The light was later automated and the station eventually ceased to be permanently manned. Sources give slightly different dates for these changes, so treat them as approximate.

The station has also weathered later storms, including the severe storm Eowyn in January 2025.

Can you visit Marstein Lighthouse?

Yes. Austevoll municipality bought the lighthouse in 2005, and in 2010 it opened to guests as a venue with overnight accommodation. Since 2013 a conference hotel has rented it, while the Norwegian Coastal Administration (Kystverket) remains the owner and keeps the light running as an active navigation aid. That means you can see a working lighthouse and spend more than a few hours on the island.

The island is reached by boat, so check current sailing and booking options before you travel, and keep your plans flexible because conditions at sea can be unpredictable.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Marstein Lighthouse? On Store Marstein in Austevoll municipality, west of Bergen, at the southern entrance to Krossfjorden.

Is the lighthouse still working? Yes, the light remains an active aid to navigation maintained by Kystverket.

Can you stay overnight? The site opened to guests in 2010 and offers accommodation. Check the operator for current booking rules.

Does anyone live there permanently? No. After automation there is no permanent crew, and the site is used for tourism and conferences.

When is the best time to go? Summer is usually calmest, but the island is exposed to wind all year, so dress warmly and check the forecast.

Why is it worth seeing? It is a rare chance to see an active Norwegian lighthouse at the edge of the sea and learn about the history of navigation to Bergen.