Ristna Lighthouse
Lighthouse in Estonia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Ristna Lighthouse (Estonian: Ristna tuletorn) is a lighthouse located at Ristna Point on the Kõpu Peninsula on the island of Hiiumaa (on the coast of the Baltic Sea) in Estonia.[2]
| |
 | |
| Location | Hiiumaa, Estonia |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 58°56′24″N 22°03′19″E |
| Tower | |
| Constructed | 1874 (first) |
| Foundation | concrete base |
| Construction | cast iron |
| Automated | 1997 |
| Height | 30 metres (98 ft) |
| Shape | hexagonal tower with balcony and lantern |
| Markings | red tower and white lantern dome |
| Heritage | architectural monument  |
| Light | |
| First lit | 1920 (current) |
| Focal height | 37 metres (121 ft) |
| Range | 12 nautical miles (22 km; 14 mi) |
| Characteristic | LFl W/R 15 s. |
| Estonia no. | EVA 673[1] |
History
The lighthouse was built in 1874, as a result of constant fogs, which made the old Kõpu lighthouse nearly invisible. The main reason for the decision to build the lighthouse was to warn sailors of drifting sea ice; which caused a major obstacle in the Gulf of Finland.[3] The current iron metal structure of the lighthouse was built in 1874. The design of the Ristna Lighthouse was made by Gustave Eiffel.[4] The lighthouse survived World War I with small amounts of damage; however, to improve the lighthouse's stability, the structure was cast in concrete in 1920.[5]
