Built in 1859 on Feisteinholmen, a small rocky islet off the Jæren coast near Sola, this lighthouse has an unusual backstory. The cast-iron tower was first exhibited at the 1914 Jubilee Exhibition in Christiania (Oslo) before being transported south and erected on the island. The tower stands 19 metres tall, painted white with a red band, and its light is visible for 17 nautical miles.
The station's most tragic event occurred on 31 October 1868. A severe autumn storm drove massive waves across the low-lying islet. Lighthouse keeper Niels Jensen and the station maid Karen Christiansdatter were swept into the sea and drowned. Jensen's wife survived by clinging to the rocks. The disaster led to calls for better protection at exposed lighthouse stations along the Jæren coast, where the lack of natural harbours left keepers particularly vulnerable to storms.
The lighthouse was automated in 1990 and is now maintained by the Norwegian Coastal Administration. The Feistein fyr support association organizes open days and events during summer. Access to the islet requires membership in the support association or attendance at organized events, as the footbridge connecting the islet to the mainland is locked. The surrounding coast is part of the Jærstrendene landscape protection area, one of the longest protected coastlines in Norway, known for its flat, windswept terrain and important wetland habitats for migratory birds.
The station's most tragic event occurred on 31 October 1868. A severe autumn storm drove massive waves across the low-lying islet. Lighthouse keeper Niels Jensen and the station maid Karen Christiansdatter were swept into the sea and drowned. Jensen's wife survived by clinging to the rocks. The disaster led to calls for better protection at exposed lighthouse stations along the Jæren coast, where the lack of natural harbours left keepers particularly vulnerable to storms.
The lighthouse was automated in 1990 and is now maintained by the Norwegian Coastal Administration. The Feistein fyr support association organizes open days and events during summer. Access to the islet requires membership in the support association or attendance at organized events, as the footbridge connecting the islet to the mainland is locked. The surrounding coast is part of the Jærstrendene landscape protection area, one of the longest protected coastlines in Norway, known for its flat, windswept terrain and important wetland habitats for migratory birds.
