Bengtskär's lighthouse today

It took several years to repair the lighthouse after war. 1950 it was ready for new inauguration for duty as an guard for theese rocky waters.
The lighthouse guards moved in again, but now without their families. The lighthouse was now manned with four guards who did two weeks shifts, two men in each turn.
The lighthouse was automated in 1968, on the top of the tower an windgenerator was installed and the light was electrified. The building became desolated. The Finnish Maritime Administration (FMA) took care of the light. But in the long run the chill weather, the humidity and hooliganism degenerated the lighthouse, piece by piece. 

Tho stop this slow demolition of the building, dedecided FMA in 1985 to rent out the apparment building. The terms was that the tenant should repair the damages and install an central heating system.  The tenant, Society Pro Bengtskär didn't manage to finish the task and so a new tenant The The Centre for Extension Studies at University of Turku was entering the field in 1992. The restauration started immediately. 

1995 Bengtskär was opened for the public.

On Bengtskär there are today:

  • lighthouse museum and a museum appartment
  • fixed exhibiton over the battle of Bengtskär in 1941
  • changing exhibiotion around the topic "Sea"
  • lighthouse postoffice and cofféshop
  • accomondation in smal rooms (all with seaview) and conferens room

Open:

June 1st - Aug 31st, every day 10 AM - 8 PM

© Kaj Sukevainen 1999