15
Obrestad lighthouse:
Håvegen 347, 4365 Nærbø
Phone: 51 79 16 60
post.hgp@ha.kommune.no
hagamleprestegard.no
The story of the lighthouse
Obrestad is Norway's westernmost lighthouse and it
is located on a cigar-shaped moraine ridge all the
way into the ocean. The landscape which was formed
during the last Ice Age is characteristic of the area.
The coast off Jæren is well known as dangerous
waters. Many ships have sunk, run aground in storms
or been broken down by heavy waves.
The lighthouse was built in solid granite in 1873 and
became a major advancement to maritime security.
A separate residence was built for the lighthouse
keeper and his family in 1905. Later in 1949, another
residence was built for the keeper's assistant. In 1968,
the lighthouse keeper´s house was modernized.
During the occupationfrom 1940 to 1945, a major
rebuilding took place. The lighthouse tower as seen
today, was built in 1942. The lighthouse lantern which
during the occupation was placed at the west side of
the tower, was moved to the tower after the war. The
lighthouse was automated in 1991.
Hå municipality bought the lighthouse in 2006 to give
new generations a better insight into its own coastal
history and culture.
After an extensive renovation, a Lighthouse museum
was opened in 2021 with various permanent exhibitions
about the life on the lighthouse, the lighthouse
builders, meteorology and world war 2.
The old Royal road runs along the sea just below the
lighthouse and for the pilgrims and others on a hike,
the lighthouse is a natural stopping point and guide.
Obrestad offers a good rest, exciting knowledge and
the feeling of getting closer to the past. In the Quiet
room you may stamp your pilgrim passport.