Kolka lighthouse

Only lighthouse in Latvia built on an artificially created island. It is located in the sea, 5.14 km away from the ruins of the old lighthouse. The island was formed using fieldstones brought by boats or collected from the shores of Kurzeme and Estonia. Construction began in 1872, and the temporary beacon in the tower was lit three years later. A residential house for the staff was built on the island, and a fog signal brought from Paris was installed.

The completed lighthouse started operating in 1884. The fog signal was replaced with a steam siren in 1915, the stationary lens with a flashing light in 1934, and in the 1930s, star-type lenses on a rotating table became the light source. In the 1960s, the lighthouse underwent modernization, and in 1979, it became fully automated, operating without a crew.

The continuous erosion of the island’s stones by waves and currents led to the replacement of wooden protective walls with concrete walls. Later, concrete tetrapods were placed around the island, in between which stones and bags of cement were placed.

The lighthouse still plays a crucial role in ensuring safe navigation in one of the most hazardous areas of the Irbe Strait.

On a daily basis, the lighthouse is not accessible to tourists, except during special events, such as Slītere Traveler’s Day.