The historic Flåvær Lighthouse in the Herøyfjord of Sunnmøre, Norway, which has long been closed to the general public since its automation in 1979, is slated for a major transformation into a tourist cabin and historical center managed by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), according to official project details.
DNT Plans Overdue Transformation for Flåvær Lighthouse
Flåvær Lighthouse sits on Varholmen, an isolated island exposed to heavy weather and severe storms in the Herøyfjord, where the surrounding high mountains open out toward the Norwegian Sea. According to DNT, the organization finalized an agreement with the Norwegian Coastal Administration in April after several years of preparation to take over the old facility. Sindre Slettestøl, head of the hyttekomiteen (cabin committee) for Flåvær lighthouse, states that the group plans to establish between 12 and 15 beds inside the historic lighthouse to accommodate padlers, school classes, and other visiting groups.
The island is accessible strictly by boat, and the old lighthouse structure still reflects decades of isolation. Inside the old keeper’s residence, old brown-striped sofas, a traditional outdoor toilet (utedo), a yellow kitchen, and an edition of the newspaper from July 18, 1996, remain untouched. Because the buildings lack running water and proper toilet facilities inside the main structure, Slettestøl notes that comprehensive renovation work is required. Consequently, DNT anticipates that overnight stays will not become available to the public until the 2028 season.
Phased Public Access and Infrastructure Plans for Varholmen
Although overnight accommodations remain years away, visitors can expect access to the island much sooner. DNT plans to construct a new floating dock, install outdoor benches, and set up a dedicated grill area near the boathouse on Varholmen as early as the 2027 season, enabling day-trip visitors to access the area. Slettestøl points out that these changes will inevitably bring significantly more people out to the holm than has been customary in decades past.
This expected influx of visitors has generated mixed feelings among local landowners. Idar Warholm, whose family has inhabited Varholmen for five generations and who owns a summer home on the island, explains that his family feels both skeptical and excited about the new public presence. However, Warholm emphasizes that local residents maintain a constructive dialogue with DNT. Warholm also notes that he hopes the transition brings much-needed attention to structural maintenance, given that the century-old buildings constantly battle harsh coastal gales.
Did You Know? Flåvær Lighthouse was first lit in 1870 to guide maritime traffic through the Herøyfjord, and it operated with a resident lighthouse keeper until the facility was fully automated in 1979.
Preserving Local Maritime History and Folklore
Beyond providing recreational facilities, the new project aims to actively preserve and share local coastal history. Slettestøl confirms that DNT will collaborate directly with the Norwegian Coastal Administration to gather historical material and set up informational displays for the public. This partnership seeks to educate visitors about the strategic maritime role the lighthouse played over its century-long operational lifespan.
Local history on Varholmen is rich with maritime lore, much of it preserved by residents like Warholm. Warholm recalls family accounts regarding 15 cargo vessels (jekter) carrying stockfish toward Bergen that allegedly wrecked nearby, though he notes those specific losses remain unverified by his family. However, verified local diving finds include heavy ship anchors lost during violent windstorms, when large sailing vessels dragged multiple anchors across the seabed before striking land near Flåvær.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Flåvær Lighthouse built and automated?
The lighthouse was first lit in 1870 and was subsequently automated in 1979, after which resident lighthouse keepers no longer lived on the island.
When can visitors stay overnight at the lighthouse?
Overnight stays are not expected to open until the 2028 season because DNT must first install proper water and sanitary facilities.
Will the island be accessible to day visitors before 2028?
Yes, DNT plans to install a new dock, benches, and a grill area near the boathouse by 2027, allowing day-trippers to visit the island.
What are your thoughts on opening historic coastal lighthouses to public tourism and overnight stays?
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