Ona Red Lighthouse Ona Island Lighthouse -

On a remote island off the west coast of Norway lies the once thriving fishing village community of Ona. Still operational though only a shadow of its former self, the village here has existed for centuries due to its proximity to the fertile fishing grounds of the Atlantic. It is only approachable by ferry from the mainland and takes about 1 1/2 hours travel time. I would best describe the atmosphere as placid and restful. Life appears easy and relaxed. Tranquil.

My wife Elizabeth and I visited this island in August of 2013, accompanied by two of my first cousins from Molde and one of their husbands. We walked aboard the ferry from the mainland. We did not need a car. The whole island is easily traversed in about twenty minutes. Once ferry riders arrive, the first thing most want to do is scale the walkway upward to the lighthouse to get the overall view of the entire island.

The lighthouse sits majestically atop the highest hill known as Onakalven. The red painted cast iron lighthouse was built in 1867 and was automated in 1971. It towers some 48 feet on the cliffs edge. Operating only for 10 months out of the year due to the midnight sun, the original Fresnel lens is still in use and produces about 79,000 candelas. The red flash shines every 30 seconds at a strength of 295,000 candelas. The strength of this light can be seen for up to 20.5 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean.

The brilliant red paint has a wrinkled and fragmented look due to the expansion and contraction of the cast iron metal in the extreme weather. Average winter wind speeds across Ona Island are about 35 miles per hour.