Lighthouses guided ship movements in the past

In the rugged, maze-like archipelago off the coast of Finland, navigation has always been a major challenge. Visible landmarks such as church towers, cliffs, and forests were used to aid navigation. Signal fires were lit at high places along the coasts to show sailing routes or nearby places of anchorage.


Various nautical signs were also built to aid navigation; pole stacks, stone cairns, and lightless daymark beacons (Fin. pooki). Finland's first lighthouse was built on the island of Utö in 1753. Besides lighthouses, pilots steered ships past rocky areas or safely into ports.

Lighthouses and nautical navigation signs are part of our country's long maritime history and cultural heritage. Not only are there many stories, events, and even loneliness linked with them, they also evoke a sense of permanence, as well as feelings of security. Most of the lighthouse islands are often located far from the mainland, at the mercy of the weather. Such isolation creates a certain kind of mystery for these islands and makes them fascinating entities. On many o f these lighthouse islands, you can still sense the sea breezes of times past and allow yourself to calm down after the hustle and bustle of the mainland. Here you will find suitable lighthouse islands to visit. Venture through the website and learn about the history of these lighthouses!