Standing sentinel at the southernmost tip of the Faroe Islands, Akraberg Lighthouse pierces the Atlantic fog with its steadfast beam, beckoning visitors to one of the archipelago’s most captivating landmarks. This iconic structure, perched on the rugged coastline of Suðuroy Island, offers more than just a picturesque photo opportunity—it’s a gateway to the rich maritime history, stunning natural beauty, and intriguing folklore of the Faroe Islands.
Akraberg Lighthouse is situated 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) south of the quaint village of Sumba on Suðuroy Island. For those eager to embark on this adventure, the journey begins with a 2-hour ferry ride from Tórshavn, the capital city, to Suðuroy. Once on the island, visitors can drive directly to Akraberg via a narrow road that winds its way from Sumba, offering tantalizing glimpses of the dramatic coastline along the way.
The lighthouse’s remote location at 61°23′40″N 6°40′45″W places it at the very edge of the Faroese frontier, where land meets the vast expanse of the North Atlantic. This positioning not only makes Akraberg a crucial navigational aid but also provides visitors with unparalleled panoramic views that stretch to the horizon.
Akraberg Lighthouse stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering, rising 14 meters (46 feet) into the sky. Its cylindrical shape, crafted from a combination of concrete and cast iron, is instantly recognizable by its pristine white exterior and the vibrant red roof of its lantern. This color scheme not only serves as a daymark for seafarers but also creates a striking contrast against the often-moody Faroese sky.
The lighthouse’s design incorporates a balcony that encircles the lantern, offering maintenance access and a breathtaking vantage point for those fortunate enough to climb to its heights. At 94 meters (308 feet) above sea level, the focal height of the light ensures its visibility far out to sea.
The heart of Akraberg Lighthouse is its sophisticated lighting system. Mariners rely on its distinctive signal: two long flashes every 20 seconds. Depending on the direction from which it’s viewed, the light appears white, red, or green, a clever feature that helps ships determine their position relative to the coastline.
The white light boasts an impressive range of 20 nautical miles (37 km), while the colored lights are visible up to 14 nautical miles (26 km) away. In times of reduced visibility, the lighthouse’s fog signal—a single blast every 60 seconds—provides an auditory guide to vessels navigating the treacherous waters surrounding the Faroe Islands.
Constructed in 1909, Akraberg Lighthouse has been a steadfast guardian of these waters for over a century. In its early years, the lighthouse was home to a keeper and his family, who braved the harsh Atlantic weather to ensure the light never faltered. The last family to call Akraberg home was that of Hans Petur Kjærbo, who experienced the full fury of nature during the Christmas Hurricane of 1988.
Despite the automation of the lighthouse in recent years, regular maintenance ensures that this vital navigational aid continues to function flawlessly. While no permanent residents remain, the site occasionally hosts tourists in nearby rental houses, allowing visitors to experience the unique atmosphere of this remote outpost.
During World War II, Akraberg took on strategic importance beyond its usual maritime role. Royal Air Force personnel operated both the lighthouse and a radio station, underlining the site’s significance in wartime communications and surveillance. Remnants of this period can still be seen in the form of reinforced concrete buildings that dot the landscape, silent witnesses to a tumultuous chapter in Faroese history.
The area surrounding Akraberg Lighthouse is a naturalist’s dream, characterized by rugged peatlands that bear the marks of centuries of human interaction. Ancient peat cuttings tell the story of the islanders’ resourcefulness in the face of harsh living conditions.
Perhaps the most striking geological feature is the Blæing area, where a tapestry of colorful rocks creates an otherworldly landscape. These stones, deposited during the Ice Age, have given rise to numerous legends that add to the mystique of Akraberg.
Just offshore lies Munkurin (The Monk), the true southernmost point of the Faroe Islands. Between Suðuroy and Munkurin churns the notorious Røstin sound, known for its powerful currents that have challenged sailors for generations.
Akraberg is renowned for its rich birdlife, making it a paradise for ornithologists and casual birdwatchers alike. The cliffs and surrounding waters provide ideal habitats for numerous seabird species, offering visitors the chance to observe these creatures in their natural environment. The most commonly observed species are the Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa).
The coastal experience at Akraberg varies dramatically with the seasons. Winter brings crashing waves and dramatic surf, while clear summer days can transform the Atlantic into a serene, glassy expanse. This ever-changing scenery ensures that no two visits to Akraberg are ever quite the same.
Visitors to Akraberg Lighthouse are treated to some of the most spectacular views in the Faroe Islands. The site’s elevated position offers a 360-degree panorama of the Atlantic Ocean, creating opportunities for breathtaking photographs and moments of quiet contemplation.
Safety is a priority at Akraberg, with fences along the cliff edges ensuring that both adults and children can explore without undue risk. The area around the lighthouse is perfect for short walks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Faroese landscape.
Featured image: arne.list, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
