Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse

Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse is a coastal lighthouse on a small skerry in the Hvaler archipelago, in the far south-east of Norway. It is one of the two landmarks that frame the entrance to the Oslofjord: Torbjørnskjær marks the eastern side, while Færder lighthouse marks the western side.

Where is Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse?

The lighthouse stands on an exposed rock in the municipality of Hvaler, at the mouth of the Oslofjord, around 59.0° N, 10.78° E. Ships heading into the fjord towards Oslo pass between this light and Færder, so the station has long served as a gateway marker for one of Norway's busiest sea routes.

What is the history of the lighthouse?

Construction began in the summer of 1869 and the light was first lit in 1872. The work was slow. The skerry is often swept by waves, and the local stone was not suitable for building, so materials had to be brought in from Hvaler and landed on a rock where unloading was difficult. The main building was made of granite and combined the keeper's residence with the tower.

In 1895 the station grew: an engine house for the fog signal was added, together with a house for an assistant keeper. The fog signal later received upgrades and stayed in service until 1990.

For many years the station was home to keeper families. Life on such a small, wind-battered rock was demanding, and few people stayed for long. Until 1949 it remained a family posting.

How does the lighthouse work today?

The lighthouse was automated and unmanned in 1990. Today it is fully automated and the light is powered by solar energy. Regular service visits are made by helicopter, because landing by boat is very difficult in most conditions.

Is the lighthouse protected?

Yes. The station was given cultural heritage protection in 1997. Besides the tower and main house, the complex includes residences, an outhouse, a well and the engine house, and the whole group of buildings is part of what is being protected as a national heritage site.

Can you visit Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse?

Landing on the skerry is hard, which is also why service crews rely on helicopters. Most visitors see the lighthouse from the water, from a boat trip in the Hvaler archipelago or from a vessel sailing in and out of the Oslofjord. Check weather and sea conditions before planning any trip, and do not count on being able to go ashore.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Torbjørnskjær Lighthouse? On a skerry in the Hvaler archipelago, marking the eastern entrance to the Oslofjord.

When was it built? Work began in 1869 and the light was first lit in 1872.

Is anyone living there? No. It was unmanned and automated in 1990 and runs on solar power.

Is it protected? Yes, it has had heritage protection since 1997.

Can I land there? Landing conditions are very difficult. Service visits are by helicopter, and most people view it from the sea.