Marstein Lighthouse – harsh and heavenly – Part 3 of 3
Lighthouses of Norway photographer Sigrid Thorbjørnsen is reporting from her trip to Marstein Lighthouse in early June.
Lighthouses of Norway photographer Sigrid Thorbjørnsen is reporting from her trip to Marstein Lighthouse in early June.
Read Part 1 of this photo essay.
Read Part 2 of this photo essay.
17. Marstein Lighthouse occupies a strategic position for ships approaching Bergen and coastal traffic on the West Coast. During WW2, the Nazis took control of Marstein Lighthouse. Even today one can still see the gun emplacements and bunkers on the island. Now they provide shelter to wild sheep and rabbits, and great viewing posts to everyone who comes to visit.
18. After the storm that ravaged in 1920, bombings in 1940, and improperly maintained, the old lighthouse was in such poor condition that it had to be demolished. In 1949, a new lighthouse was built, and that’s what stands today. The only thing that testifies that the old lighthouse had a different location is the old lookout. Today the spot is frequently used by gulls.
19. When the sea sets in from the North West, this little bridge pays the price. The sea can wash over this bridge without problems. When experienced people say “do not go outoutside when it storms,” there is great reason to listen to them and follow their advice. And the fact that nothing green grows down in this little gully, suggests that the sea water beating occurs rather often.
20. Landing conditions by boat can be a challenge. The currents come in from two sides and here there is no natural harbor for boats. Many floating jetties have been lost, but today it is a hypermodern patented construction that provides a pier when visitors arrive.
21. When the RIB boat heads back to Panorama Hotel & Resort, the entire pier is hoisted into the air by a crane, and so is the pier ready for the next landing or departure. My thoughts go out to all lighthouse keepers who year after year had a boat and only a landing to hoist the boat up on, and who could not always come ashore or leave the island when they wanted to.
22. But today it is quiet. The old anchor gives good vibrations on the lives that are lived here and on the future that awaits all new generations. With my back towards the ocean, eyes looking at the mountains, and toes nested in seaweed, I can relax my shoulders. This is truly a gem.
23. Having an establishment here by the sea requires some work. All booking goes through Panorama Hotel & Resort. But a better location is hard to find. A prawn sandwich in such an environment is never wrong.
24. Shoulders relaxed. The night arrives. It is not completely dark at this time of year, but that is okay. From the pillow I can see the sky, light and dark. Clouds. Gulls. The last drops are being enjoyed from the stairs before the light beams from the lighthouse wave good-night. The wind whispers promises of calm seas tomorrow. It’s hard to go to sleep, but the sea air has sent sleepy fog over the island. Soon I breathe easily and without worries on my pillow.
INFO
How to get there
You can drive on Highway 555 until the exit of Fylkesvei 153 to Panorama Hotel & Resort. The 22-mile drive takes about 40 minutes. Or, you can take bus 450 from Bergen Bus Station to Skogsskiftet, and from Skoggskiftet bus 455 on to Sund Ungdomsskule (Sund middleschool). From there it is a one-mile walk. From Panorama Hotel & Resort, the tour continues with RIB.
Panorama Hotel & Resort can assist in organizing RIB or helicopter from Bergen and Flesland. From Flesland you can also reach the Marsten Lighthouse by helicopter.
Rental
Conference package one night
- RIB troundtrip Panorama Hotel & Resort – Marstein Lighthouse
- Meeting with AV equipment and WiFi
- Lunch and special menus
- 3-course dinner
- Bar/music till 1 AM
- Accommodation and breakfast
PRICE: NOK 3,995 per person. The price applies to the minimum number of 8 people.
Dinner and overnight
- RIB troundtrip Panorama Hotel & Resort – Marstein Lighthouse
- Full table setting in lighthouse banquet room
- 3-course dinner
- Bar/music till 1 AM
- Accommodation and breakfast
PRICE: NOK 2,995 per person. The price applies to the minimum number of 8 people.
Feistein Lighthouse offers 21 beds in 11 rooms of highest hotel standards.
The season lasts from April 1st to September 30th. Arrivals and departures are subject to weather conditions.
Contact Panorama Hotel & Resort
Tel: (+47) 56 31 90 00
