Lighthouses are a veritable emblem for the sea-travelers and adventurers all around the world. They used to be an essential tool for mariners for centuries and while they’re functionality has been reduced because of the advancement of technology, they’re still very valuable to us, from a historical, cultural and architectural point of view. Of course, they seem to exist just about everywhere on our coastlines, but there are some lighthouses out there that deserve to be regarded as the most beautiful in the world. Let’s take a look at these masterpieces!
1.Lindau Lighthouse, Germany
Built in the middle of the 19th century, the beautiful Lindau Lighthouse reigns over Lake Constance, with an altitude of 33 meters and a perimeter of 24 meters. It also feature a classy clock in its facade, making it really stand out. It is currently open to the visitors that want to learn more about the surrounding area, the flore and the fauna of the region and expand their history knowledge.
2.Fanad Head Lighthouse, Ireland
The construction of this lighthouse began after a tragic accident that took place in 1804. Initially a mechanical engineering work of art, it was converted to an electrical one in 1975. The lighthouse offers spectacular views over Fanad peninsula and its astonishing rocky coastline.
3. Yaquina Bay Light, Oregon
This beautiful lighthouse was built in 1871 in what used to be the most populated port between Puget Sound and San Francisco at that time. It was active for only three years, but its beauty went beyond time and still fascinates the passengers.The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers used to gather at this place, making their living quarters out of it.
4. Peggys Point Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada
One of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world and definitely the most visited one in Canada, Peggys Point Lighthouse is just iconic for its country. A classical red-and-white lighthouse, still operating and attracting millions of tourists each year. It is also the most photographed one in Atlantic Canada. It used to serve as a post office for the surrounding village, but now it’s just a spectacle for the eyes.
5. Kullen Lighthouse, Sweden
Located on the south-west coast of Sweden, by the mouth of Öresund, Kullen Lighthouse has its focal plane at an altitude of 78.5 meters above sea level, watching over the Kullaberg peninsula in all its majesty. It flashes every 5 seconds and it also emits recognizable sounds in case of fog. Kullen has a tradition of over 1000 years in which regards lighthouses, so this is a historical hub of interest for those passionate about the evolution of engineering in this sphere.
6. Tower of Hercules, Spain
One of the most impressive lighthouses around the world, the Tower of Hercules is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located at 2.4 kilometers from the centre of A Coruña. What makes it even more special is that this is actually an ancient Roman lighthouse, also known as “FarumBrigantium", meaning “Lighthouse of Alexandria”. The 55-meters-tall architectural masterpiece watches over the Atlantic coastline of Spain. It is regarded as a National Monument and it also features a sculpture garden containing works by Pablo Serrano and Francisco Leiro.,
7. Kõpu Lighthouse, Estonia
One of the oldest lighthouses around the world, Kõpu Lighthouse is also one of the most popular attractions in Estonia and is regarded as a symbol of the country’s tourism. Its light is set at 102.6 meters above sea level, which makes it the highest coastal light on the Baltic Sea.
8. Start Point Lighthouse, England
This is a gothic-styled lighthouse designed and built by James Walter in 1836. Its tall circular tower measures 28 meters and it features two entrances. English Heritage designated it as a grade II listed building.
9.Bass Harbor Head Station, Maine
Located within the fantastic Acadia National Park, Bass Harbor Head Station makes the entrance to Blue Hill Bay. It features a stone foundation and a brick-walled cylindrical tower, which was lit for the first time in 1858 and then automated in 1974. Nowadays, the black and white tower is the home of the Coast Guard and his family.
10.Waugoshance Lighthouse, Michigan
Established in 1851, Waugoshance Lighthouse watches over Lake Michigan, being an active aid to navigation. It saw the United States Civil War and it succeeded in maintaining its beauty since then. It features a terracotta, steel and brick interior design and a gunnite exterior. The intensity of its light reaches 1.2 million candle power.