The lighthouse was put into operation in 1767 as the sixth lighthouse in Norway after Lindesnes, and the first north of Stadt. For 235 years, the lighthouse then had staffs of lighthouse keepers, assistants, wives, children, governesses, servants and livestock. The staffing was naturally reduced as technology allowed.
In September 2002, the lighthouse was automated, and lighthouse keeper Arne Velsvik packed his things for the last time at Runde lighthouse. But as it is called in the song: People need houses and houses need people at all times, so the Norwegian Coastal Administration and DNT Sunnmøre have after the automation entered into an agreement to use the newest lighthouse keeper's home at the facility as a self-service tourist cabin.
