Odderøya Lighthouse

Odderøya Lighthouse stands on the southwestern shore of Odderøya island, right next to the centre of Kristiansand in southern Norway (Agder county). It is one of the oldest navigation points in the area, and today it is both a protected heritage site and a quiet walking destination with views over the approach to the harbour.

How did a lighthouse come to stand on Odderøya?

The light station was established in 1832. The decision followed the work of Norway's first lighthouse commission, whose priority was to secure the entrance to Kristiansand harbour. The coastal light on Oksøy was set up the same year, which shows how much weight shipping along this stretch of coast carried.

What is the current tower?

The historic tower dates from 1874. It replaced the first lighthouse and was built higher up the hill. That made its light easier to tell apart from the other lights of the town, which matters a great deal to captains approaching the port at night.

Over the following decades the station was upgraded. A fog bell was added in 1896, a new lantern in 1914, electricity arrived in 1932, and a radio beacon followed around 1937.

What was life like here during the war?

During the Second World War the Germans took over the station. Throughout the five years of occupation the keeper and his assistant continued to look after the light, but the Germans decided when it was allowed to operate.

What changed after 1984?

In 1984 the station was automated and left unmanned. The historic tower was deactivated, and a new automatic light was built next to it, closer to the water. The old tower still stands and is protected by law by the Norwegian Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren). In 2005 the county took over the site, and it is now run by the Vest-Agder Museum.

Can you go inside?

The grounds are open, but the lighthouse and tower are normally open to visitors only on Sundays. Hours can change, so check the museum's current information before you go.

How do you get there?

You can drive to the lighthouse, and there is parking. You can also walk from the city centre. The route begins as a road and then turns into a path that can be rocky and sometimes steep, so sturdy shoes are a good idea.

What else is there to do nearby?

The area is popular for its views of the sea approach to the city. Locals also use it for swimming and fishing. It makes a good stop on a walk around Odderøya, an island very close to central Kristiansand.

Frequently asked questions

When was Odderøya Lighthouse built? The first station was established in 1832, and the present tower was built in 1874.

Is the lighthouse still in use? The historic tower was deactivated in 1984. The light moved to a new automatic lighthouse beside it.

Is it protected? Yes, the 1874 tower is legally protected as a heritage site.

Can you visit it? The grounds are open, and the interior is usually open on Sundays. Check the hours before travelling.