Fjøløy Lighthouse

After visiting the Utstein Monastery, we ventured down the road, through fields of sheep until we came upon a lighthouse.

This stretch of coastline was considered some of the most dangerous in Norway.  When people thought of Norway, they pictured mountains and as they approached Norwegian land, they'd see the fjord mountains in the distance yet often forget about the rocky and barren islands dotting the coast.  Dozens of lighthouses were installed in the area in hopes that ships could follow from one to the next, guiding them safely inland.

Being a lighthouse keeper was considered a respectable job and the lighthouses in this region were sought after due to their proximity to larger towns.  The keeper's family lived in a house right on site for many years until the position turned into commuter style where workers would rotate in and out.  In 1977, the lighthouse was automated no longer requiring a regular employee.

The Fljøløy Lighthouse was built in 1894 and today, the keeper's house, an engine house, an outhouse and a boat house still sit perched along the rocky coast accompanying the light.  As we stood there, wind whipping around us, I couldn't help but think of The Light Between Oceans and wonder what it must have been like living in semi-isolation, guiding boats and ships to safety.

Notes:

The Fjøløy Lighthouse is located in the Rennesøy municipality on Mosterøy Island and is about a 35 minute drive from Stavanger.  From the Utstein Monastery, it's about 2.7 kilometres which can be either walked or driven.