Lighthouses and beacons are part of architectural history, cultural history, maritime history and maritime safety. They are home islands, bases of operations, points of reference, memories and often places where battles were fought and havoc wreaked in times of war. Lighthouses have disappeared from the landscape due to a number of reasons, such as storms and sabotage. Some of them were lost in wars: several lighthouses were demolished by the Finns themselves, while a few were also destroyed by the enemy. However, the number one cause for the loss of Finnish lighthouses has been the cession of territory resulting from peace treaties.
Many lost lighthouses are familiar to Finns at least in name: Suursaari, Hanhipaasi and Ruuskeri. Some left behind nothing but footings, while others are still standing today. The Maritime Museum of Finland’s Lost Lighthouses exhibition at the Forum Marinum Maritime Centre is based on the book ‘Menetetyt Majakat’ by Johanna Pakola and Seppo Laurell. Come and learn more about the ever-fascinating lighthouses!