Erkna lighthouse

Foto: Frode Pilskog

Erkna lighthouse Oc (3) WRG 10s. The lighthouse was established in 1870 when state took ownership of Alnes and Synes lighthouse as well. The lighthouse was lit 2,5 months a year. Together the three lighthouses were of huge importance for the fisheries. In 1897 the lighthouse station was extended, and the keeper’s family could live there as well. At this time the light was lit 10 months a year. During World War II the SOE visited the lighthouse frequently as they sailed directly from Shetland to Erkna. In 1944 SOE hid 1,5 metric ton of equipment here. Secret agents could now set up radiostations on different locations in the area. In March 1945 the lighthouse station was attacked and damaged by Allied Air Force. During 1948-1950 the lighthouse tower was rebuilt in concrete. A 4th. order fixed apparatus delivered from the English company Chance Brothers was installed. Landing here is so difficult, that three landings had to be built. From 1970 helicopter was used in service. In 1988 the lighthouse station was automated and the year after it got de-manned. In 2004 the lighthouse station was rented out on the open market, which makes it possible to visit the lighthouse. To protect the birdlife the island became a nature reserve in 2010. This makes visiting between May 1. and August 1 even more difficult.

Publisert av: Stiftinga Sunnmøre MuseumSist endret: 2019-12-19