Light up your holiday

Standing guard above key points along our rugged, rocky coastline, these beacons have long kept local shipping and sailors safe. They once numbered in the hundreds and were manned by keepers. Nowadays, there are dozens still standing in Fjord Norway but most are automated. Many do, however, welcome visitors to spend the day — or even a night or two.

There’s a coastal fjord lighthouse stay to fit every budget, with accommodations ranging from bare-bones self-catering to high-end luxury. String together several as part of your stay, from Utsira Fyr in the south — Norway’s highest-elevated lighthouse, at 78 meters-plus — to the north to Hauggjegla Fyr. THis lighthouse is perched on a tiny skerry 1 kilometer north of the scenic fisherman’s island of Smøla. Both can be rented in season.

Here’s a look at 9 lighthouse musts, from the farthest south to the most northerly, in Fjord Norway.

Utsira

Stay at a working lighthouse at Utsira island. The 13.3-meter red-and-white tower, sitting 78.2 meters above sea level, is topped by a beacon whose flashes have the power of nearly 1 million candles and can be seen for 43 kilometers. Book your favorite out of five accommodations options, from a cozy cabin or spare artist’s residence to larger buildings equipped with kitchens and living rooms.

Ryvarden

A landmark for over 1,100 years, Ryvarden’s 10-meter-tall lighthouse was built 171 years ago on the site of an ancient Viking cairn. Awarded the St. Olaf’s Rose seal of quality by the Norwegian Heritage organization, exquisite Ryvarden welcomes guests to a café, gallery shop and five bedrooms accommodating 10 in the lightkeeper’s house. A visit to Ryvarden is exotic regardless of the weather - here you can experience everything from calm seas to the ravages of storms. The beacon’s red, green and white flashes illuminate local skies every night except in June, due to the Midnight Sun. 

Stabben

Taking up most of a tiny island off the town of Florø in the Frøysjøen fjord, this much-photographed structure comprises a 16-meter tower atop a 2½ -story stone lighthouse keeper’s house. Guests can stay overnight in the lighthouse, built in 1866, when weather permits.

Kvanhovden

A half-hour boat ride from Florø, this 10-meter-tall lighthouse sits on a cliff 40 meters above sea level, offering splendid views. There’s accommodation for 10 people sharing three bedrooms in this historic structure, which has guarded the northwestern shore of Hovden island since 1895. 

Ulvesund

One of several historical lighthouses in Kinn municipality on the Nordfjord coast, Ulvesund consists of three buildings encircled by a sunny, flower- and berry-filled garden. Enjoy panoramic views of sea traffic and sunsets, browse the shop and grab a bite or coffee in the café. Guests can stay on the top floor of the house, in the machine room and in the “outhouse”! 

Kråkenes

Stay at one of the most spectacularly stormy spots in Norway. This 114-year-old lighthouse — regularly showered in splashing sea water — is precariously perched almost 45 meters above the sea on a knife-like promontory jutting out off the northwestern edge of Vågsøy island. Stay in the wooden lighthouse’s third-floor “storm suite” for four, or a bit farther from the fray and spray at the 11-bed storm house. 

Molja

A unique city-center stay in a lighthouse! Set right on the edge of Ålesund’s scenic harbor, Molja lighthouse is operated by local Hotel Brosundet as its “Room 47”. Remodeled by renowned architecture firm Snøhetta, the intimate 12-square-meter accommodations include a first-floor bath and second-floor bedroom. Enjoy sparkling wine, fresh fruit and breakfast in bed with your stay in Norway’s capital of art nouveau.

Alnes

One of the most visited lighthouses in Norway, this beacon just 30 minutes from Ålesund was built in the fishing community of Alnes on Godøy island back in 1876. You could take the bus from Ålesund out to Alnes and combine the lighthouse visit with a mountain hike on Godøyfjellet, or a walk along the beach at Alnes. Take in the watercolors exhibit, shop for souvenirs and handicrafts, savor traditional cakes and trek to the top of the 22-meter-tall tower.

Ona

From downtown Ålesund or Molde you can easily get to this iconic, scenic island fishing village and lighthouse by public transport. You’ll find a postcard-perfect hamlet, population 11. Browse the ceramic shop, indulge in a mouthwatering seafood lunch or dinner at Ona Havstuer, and then hike up to the 14.7-meter-tall red cast-iron lighthouse that’s watched over it all since 1867.