Bengtskar Lighthouse
Bengtskar Lighthouse
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5.0
64 reviews
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Robin E
Helsinki, Finland180 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
Opening the Hangö Port to winter traffic in the 1870's increased the need for more seafarer's safety, but it took until 1906 (and a few shipwrecks) before the Bengtskär lighthouse was built. You can reach the island by tour-operated boats from Hangö and from Kasnäs. On the island you are welcomed by a presentation (choose if in English, Swedish or Finnish) and then you can freely wander about. There is a small museum explaining the bloody battle of July 26th, 1941 when the Soviets attempted to take the island. You can see how the lighthousekeepers and their families lived, and you can of course climb the almost 300 steps to the top of the lighthouse for breathtaking views of the Gulf of Finland. There are two cafés and you can also stay overnight. For nature the island is only rocks but we spotted a seal on the way out, lots of seabirds and on the island Dunlins (Calidris alpina) with their chicks. Visiting Bengtskär is a day well spent, and you also support the upkeep of the buildings. Weather reservation apply - on a windy day landing is difficult or impossible.
Written 27 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JariJK
Kouvola, Finland7,078 contributions
Jul 2014 • Family
This is one of the most interesting sights in Finland! Bengtskär Lighthouse was built in 1906 and it is the tallest lighthouse in the Nordic countries (52 meters above the sea). The small island is full of history and the beauty of the nature. You can climb on the top of the lighthouse, visit a small museum or dark soldier tunnels (borrow a flashlight from the coffeehouse, otherwise you may hurt yourself) and admire the beauty of the sea. There are also two coffeehouses in the lighthouse.
Bengtskär Lighthouse is situated 25 kilometers southwest of the city of Hanko. There are daily cruises (in the summer) from Hanko to Bengtskär - and sometimes from the city of Turku, too. However, I recommend that you stay overnight in Saaristokylpyla Kasnas Skargardsbad (Saaristokylpylä Kasnäs Skärgårdsbad), Kasnäs (see reviews in TripAdvisor). There are daily cruises (so called Archipelago Sights Route, in June, July and August) from the harbour of that hotel to Rosala Viking Centre and Bengtskär Lighthouse. Both boat transfers, admissions fees, guiding (also in English) and peakpearch soup are included in the price of those cruises. Prebooking is highly recommended because cruises may be sold out two weeks earlier during the high season. Or you can take a private taxi boat from Kasnäs to Bengtskär.
There is also a small hotel in the lighthouse building. Again, early prebooking is needed.
Have a nice voyage and a lifetime experience!
Bengtskär Lighthouse is situated 25 kilometers southwest of the city of Hanko. There are daily cruises (in the summer) from Hanko to Bengtskär - and sometimes from the city of Turku, too. However, I recommend that you stay overnight in Saaristokylpyla Kasnas Skargardsbad (Saaristokylpylä Kasnäs Skärgårdsbad), Kasnäs (see reviews in TripAdvisor). There are daily cruises (so called Archipelago Sights Route, in June, July and August) from the harbour of that hotel to Rosala Viking Centre and Bengtskär Lighthouse. Both boat transfers, admissions fees, guiding (also in English) and peakpearch soup are included in the price of those cruises. Prebooking is highly recommended because cruises may be sold out two weeks earlier during the high season. Or you can take a private taxi boat from Kasnäs to Bengtskär.
There is also a small hotel in the lighthouse building. Again, early prebooking is needed.
Have a nice voyage and a lifetime experience!
Written 30 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pcsqueen
Brussels, Belgium25 contributions
Jun 2014 • Couples
We visited on a gorgeous June day, taking the boat from the Kasnas resort. (This particular boat trip also stops at the Rosala Viking Center. The Center itself isn't much, but it is nice to walk around the island if the weather's good.)
The staff were very friendly, helpful, and informative. Our guide spent over 45 minutes explaining the lighthouse's history, strategic importance, and infrastructure. It was fascinating.
One thing to note, however. This may not be the best option for people who experience limited mobility. Getting into and out of the boat which transported us could be a huge challenge for anyone with physical limitations. While there are level areas around the lighthouse itself, one must climb steps from the dock to the lighthouse, then climb more stairs to get into the building.
The staff were very friendly, helpful, and informative. Our guide spent over 45 minutes explaining the lighthouse's history, strategic importance, and infrastructure. It was fascinating.
One thing to note, however. This may not be the best option for people who experience limited mobility. Getting into and out of the boat which transported us could be a huge challenge for anyone with physical limitations. While there are level areas around the lighthouse itself, one must climb steps from the dock to the lighthouse, then climb more stairs to get into the building.
Written 19 June 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boharald
Espoo66 contributions
Jun 2017 • Family
Fascinating history - both from the construction phase, the life on the very small island and the heroic and successful defence when Russian forces tried to capture it during the second world war. Highly recommended.
Written 7 November 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia R
13 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
I was visiting this lighthouse with my family last month. One of the most relaxing trips I've done, since it's in the middle of the ocean, and it gets so dark and quiet in the evening. I'd for sure suggest staying over night, rather than making the couple hour visit.
I also have to say how surprised I was when we went to have some dinner. I have a vegan diet, and places such as this might not be the most vegan-friendly, which I completely understand. It's hard to store food for different kinds of special diets in an island like this. But boy how wrong was I. The dinner and also all the other meals we had were amazing! Well-thought, tasty and filling. I even had my own desserts baked for me after every meal, which has never happened. The head chef also made the effort to come to me everytime she spotted me in the dining are, to tell me more about the ingredients of the food. This left me with heart warming feeling, I felt so welcomed and grateful.
I also have to say how surprised I was when we went to have some dinner. I have a vegan diet, and places such as this might not be the most vegan-friendly, which I completely understand. It's hard to store food for different kinds of special diets in an island like this. But boy how wrong was I. The dinner and also all the other meals we had were amazing! Well-thought, tasty and filling. I even had my own desserts baked for me after every meal, which has never happened. The head chef also made the effort to come to me everytime she spotted me in the dining are, to tell me more about the ingredients of the food. This left me with heart warming feeling, I felt so welcomed and grateful.
Written 21 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miranna
Ottawa108 contributions
Jul 2014 • Friends
We visited this lighthouse as a part of a day cruise package starting from Kasnäs, stopping by at Rosala Viking Centre (incl. fish soup lunch which was delicious) and visiting the Bengtskär lighthouse.
You can also overnight at the lighthouse (book ahead with extra cost)
The trip takes a full day. We started from Helsinki at 8am and were at Kasnäs right on time (with a short coffee break on the way)
On the way back we had supper at Ekenäs (Tammisaari) and got back to Helsinki at 10pm
You can also overnight at the lighthouse (book ahead with extra cost)
The trip takes a full day. We started from Helsinki at 8am and were at Kasnäs right on time (with a short coffee break on the way)
On the way back we had supper at Ekenäs (Tammisaari) and got back to Helsinki at 10pm
Written 21 July 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MPS_foodie
Espoo, Finland200 contributions
May 2013 • Friends
If you want to experince something totally different, visit the Bengtskär lighthouse. A unique, one of a kind lighthouse on a small island far from shore. We have visited a couple of times with friends a co-workers via taxiboat from Kasnäs or Hiittinen. Just the boat trip there is something to experince, since it goes through the most beautiful archipelago in the world. Trust me, when you're there and hear the history of the place, you will look at things from a new perspective. The view from the top of the lighthouse is spectacular. This place is authentic and you feel the history. Enjoy the lunch and hear the stories, I promise you will not be dissapointed.
Written 20 February 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Antti V
Lieto, Finland9 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
This iso one of the most special places in the finnish archipelago. Not easy to find a way but truly worth allways! We visit often when coming from Helsinki to Turku.
Written 28 October 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Markus Olavi Vuorinen
Kangasala, Finland9 contributions
Jul 2024 • Couples
Nice and kindly place to spend good time with wife. Good seafood and soft beds. Exellent special coffee and sauna. Love it!
Written 18 July 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juha M
Helsinki, Finland165 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Great location, very friendly and nice staff, good food, retro rooms and original sauna. Strongly can recommend this, and it is worth really to stay overnight
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ravinhood
London, United Kingdom
Hello lovely peeps! I’m planning to visit Bengtskar from Helsinki this weekend. From what I understood so far from digging info, I need to reach Hanko first and take the ferry. These are my questions:
1.What are the times and how long does it take to reach the island.
2. Do I need to book in advance the ferry?
3. Any info you think I need is appreciated.
Thank youuuuuu!
I was thinking of staying there but couldn’t find the site to book the accommodation. :(
Written 19 August 2018
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