Bengtskärin majakka
The highest lighthouse in the Nordic countries, on the outer archipelago and Finland’s southernmost destination: a lighthouse museum, chapel, bunker and overnight accommodation.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
Bengtskär Lighthouse rises 52 metres above sea level on the outermost skerry of the Archipelago Sea, in the Hiittinen archipelago. It is the highest lighthouse in the Nordic countries and the southernmost inhabited place in Finland. The decision to build the lighthouse was taken after the steamship S/S Helsingfors ran aground on the north side of the island on New Year’s Day 1905. The plans were drawn up by the architect Florentin Granholm, who represented the National Romantic style, and construction took nine months in 1906. The light was lit for the first time on 19 December 1906.
Five lighthouse keeper families lived at the lighthouse all year round, and at most 32 people lived on the island, 21 of them children. The lighthouse also had a school. At the start of the Continuation War, on 26–27 July 1941, a major battle took place on the island when Russian forces attempted a landing to capture and blow up the lighthouse, because the tower served as an observation and fire-control post for the Hanko front. There were 38 Finns defending the lighthouse, and the battle was led by Lieutenant Fred Luther.
Today the lighthouse is a visitor destination, where you can see the exhibitions, the lighthouse keeper’s home, the chapel and the bunker, and climb to the top of the tower to the lantern room. The lighthouse building also has seven guest rooms. The lighthouse buildings are owned by the Turun Yliopistosäätiö (Turku University Foundation). In 2026 the lighthouse celebrates 120 years, and in May and June more than 500 eider ducks nest on the island.
Highlights
- The highest lighthouse in the Nordic countries, 52 metres
- Lantern room at the top of the tower and sea views
- Lighthouse keeper’s home, chapel and bunker
- Exhibitions on the lighthouse’s dramatic history and the battle of 1941
- Overnight stays in the lighthouse and the island where eider ducks nest
Permanent exhibition
- Majakan näyttelyt, majakanvartijan koti, kappeli ja bunkkeri – The exhibitions on the lower floors tell of the lives of the lighthouse keepers, war history and the nature of the archipelago; visitors can also explore the lighthouse keeper’s home, the chapel and the bunker, and climb to the lantern room.
- Founded
- 1906
- Operated by
- Bengtskär Oy
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €11 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €5.50Ages 4–14: €5.50. |
Admission fee €11 per adult in 2026; the fee is charged from all visitors to the island and is used entirely for the maintenance and upkeep of the lighthouse. Bank and credit cards are accepted, and cash if necessary; it is worth bringing a chip card, as contactless payment sometimes causes problems.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: not available
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Bengtskär is a rocky island whose terrain is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. The lighthouse building has spiral stairs, and the route from the boat to the lighthouse follows a narrow, uneven path. The toilet is a few dozen metres from the lighthouse building along a rocky path, reached by steps.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The easiest way to reach the lighthouse is by scheduled boat from Kasnäs (June–August, boat trip about one hour) or from Hanko (East Harbour). Scheduled boats can be combined with a trip to the Rosala Viking Centre. You can also arrive by taxi boat, your own boat or helicopter.
The lighthouse is located 30 km south-west of Hanko and is the southernmost inhabited place in Finland; the nearest archipelago village, Rosala, is 18 km to the north. The address of the Kasnäs harbour is Kasnäsintie 1289, Kimitoön. From Hanko, boats leave from the East Harbour at the Kuningattarenlaituri (Satamakatu 4) or from the St1 jetty. Bookings: Rosala & Bengtskär travel booking office, Reimarintie 5, 25950 Rosala (open on weekdays 9:00–14:00).
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
Café Pookineito on the first floor (about 45 seats) and, in midsummer, Café Konehuone on the ground floor. Coffee and something small and sweet are always available; food is prepared only for pre-ordered group bookings, and lunch or dinner is not served to day visitors on Saturdays or in July. The lighthouse has a licence to serve alcohol. Outdoor toilets for day visitors are on the island.
Events & venue rental
Private events cannot be held during opening hours; after 18:30, groups that have booked the lighthouse may hold private events.
Plan your visit
| Guided tours | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Passengers on scheduled boats and booked groups are given a guided tour as soon as possible after arrival, outdoors if the weather allows, in Finnish, Swedish or English as needed. Private boat crews do not have their own guided tour, but they receive a guide leaflet and may take part in the group guided tours, which take place a few times a day. After the guided tour, visitors explore the exhibitions, the lighthouse keeper’s home, the chapel and the bunker on their own; climbing to the top of the tower is possible. The accommodation on the third floor is not open to visitors. Camping and sleeping on boats on the island’s shore are prohibited, drones may not be flown without permission, and dogs and other pets are not allowed on the island in April, May and June. Bring comfortable footwear, warm and windproof clothing, and a torch for visiting the bunker. |
