When we were out on our sightseeing tour, we did go to the Filtvet Lighthouse in Hurum (Oslo Fjord West), very strategical situated on the seaward approach to Oslo, Norway’s capital city. Important for the navigation in the frequent used water way to Oslo.
The Filtvet Lighthouse was built as early as in 1840. It has gone through several changes during the years. From the beginning the light was in the gable end with a fog bell in the tower on the roof.
It has been automated and unmanned from 1985. Then the lighthouse’s operation were replaced with a light in front of the lighthouse building instead.
We were lucky, because when we came, there was a group of kids doing an excursion with their school and the lighthouse were open for that reason.
We got in and could go up in the top to see the lens and blinking apparatus, which have been preserved as history of lighthouses.
There were also a very interesting gallery with paintings and photos showing the Lighthouse history at the bottom floor of the Lighthouse.
One important moment was of the German invasion of Norway in 1940. The German heavy cruiser Blücher sank after an attack from the Oscarsborg fortress near Drøbak narrows.
Result: it was blocking the way for the following troops, leaving enough time to evacuate the government, parliament, royal family and the national treasury. Norway never surrendered to the Germans, they participated as an ally in the war instead.
I don’t know why everyone love Lighthouses so much, but people seem to be drawn to them. Including myself. It’s not only the fact that they’re guiding ships, it’s something more.
Norway has a lot of lighthouses that has been protected according to the Cultural Heritage Act. Some of Norway’s Lighthouses are open for overnight accommodation, which you also can see at the Norwegian Lighthouse Association Website.
We did take lots and lots of photos, but we’ve only saved 20 of them. Have a look at the beautiful Lifecruiser Filtvet Photo Slideshow.
Lifecruiser ♥ Lighthouses
Yes, I love lighthouses, too. There’s just something about them… what, I don’t know. Perhaps it’s their function, to save ships from going on the rocks, or perhaps it’s because they can be a friendly beacon on a dark sea.
Anyway, it’s very interesting to read about this one…but then history is fascinating, isn’t it?
Puss in Bootss last blog post..New Zealand
It’s a beauty too. Well, I love lighthouses, but I love anything to do with the sea. They are indeed awesome. I would love to see this one in person. Have a great weekend Captain. Big hug.
Comedy Pluss last blog post..Twin 454′s
Beautiful. I grew up on Cape Cod. There we had several Light Houses. I loved to go and tour them.
Maribeths last blog post..Saturday’s Photo Scavenger Hunt
That looks like a great place to just sit around and spend a quiet afternoon. As for humans being attracted to lighthouses, consider it as a bigger version of a dog being attracted to a fire hydrant.
What an interesting post – love the photo of the lighthouse.
Carolines last blog post..Waking up next to George Clooney
It’s a beautiful lighthouse! I would love to spend the night in one. The lighthouses around here have lots of ghosts. I’m assuming a lot of lighthouses have ghosts. I love all the stories. Your pictures are awesome!
Yes, we were lucky to have the opportunity to go inside the Light House. And see how it really worked and realizing it was a home for a family for more than 140 years.
In fact, this firehouse was even important for my family, back in the the very early 1960′ies, when we went down the Oslofjord (even to Sweden) and returned home during Nights with my fathers 20 feet boat. You have seen it, the Hurum pennisula and the narrow sounds to the inner part of Oslofjord and to the west the even more narrow Drammensfjord (Where Holmsbu is situated).
You have posted excellent photos, even of the Filtvet Palms
The only Palm Trees in Norway – LOL
As grown up on a penninsula and in a nation with extrordinary traditions as Seafarers (Vikings), I know the importance of Lighthouses. And Fog Bells.
By the way, did you know: In Saintes, SW France (yes it’s in Charante de Mer, the Departement de Cognac) they mounted for the first time Church Bells and when the weather was bad, they rang the Bells to help the Fishermen to find their way back home. Have we been there? Yes. Beautiful Church at the border of the Charente river.
Lighthouses (and before that: burning woods) has saved thousands upon thousands of lifes. And the “Lighthouse masters” and their famlies around the Globe, lived very isolated and had a very hard life, combating the force of the Naturevery day. They are and were heroes. Saved lifes.
have a wonderful weekend.
PS. Felicia is missing Mrs Lifecruiser
btw. Just returned from the summerhouse. The car filled up with this and that, you know. And even several kg of blue grapes. My mother is 89 tomorrow. We will bring her “A yellow Widow” Champagne tomorrow together with some more surprises.
TorAas last blog post..PhotoHunt: Lazy – Oct 11 – 2008
I just love lighthouses. I am so happy you could have some days with Tor and Anna and they could show you around. It looks like you had a really good time.
DianeCAs last blog post..Hiking in the Rjukan valley of Norway
Really neat pictures, I’ve never actually been in a lighthouse, but they’re interesting to me. Wish I’d been with you checking it out. Now I’m thinking of taking my wife out to the English coast to find a lighthouse, so many thanks for the inspiration
I’ve seen your uploaded photos of Filtvet lighthouse in Hurum which are really fantastic! I didn’t realise your are great photographer as well… Big THUMB UP! Cheers!
p/s: mind to share your camera model? I’m shopping for a replacement for my ageing NIKON 4100.
Thanks, I’m glad you liked them
You take fantastic photos yourself!
I’ve tried different camera brands, but I must say that I return to Canon’s cameras. It’s something with the light in the photos.
My cameras are:
Canon Ixus 80IS (for the pocket)
and
Canon Powershot S5 IS
I’m VERY pleased with both of them!!!
#1 reason for me to not use DSLR’s are that they’re too heavy for me and that makes me wanna leave it at home all the time… Plus, I’m a bit lazy, I don’t wanna change lenses.
I did try out a DSLR (or more like a kind of hybride?): Samsung Digimax Pro 815, were you have all in one lens, but it was too heavy for me and I wasn’t totally pleased with it.
There were some other reasons too, but I don’t recall them right now.
Good luck with your camera buy