Söderskär lighthouse

Helsinki, 20 degrees

Source

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Friends are like lighthouses, with the sources of light coming from their hearts.

A longtime dream came true today when I got to visit, together with six of my colleagues, Söderskär (in English: southern rock), which is formed by rough cliffs and rocky islands, and lies in the outer archipelago of Porvoo, against the open sea, about two hours by boat from Helsinki.

An interesting fact about Söderskär is that it has played a leading role in inspiring Tove Jansson, the author of Moominpappa at Sea (in Swedish: Pappan och havet, literally "The father and the sea"). This book takes mostly place on an island with a lighthouse, and is the seventh book about the Moomin family which are thought to be the most famous Finnish cartoon characters. Are you familiar with them?

I've always been in love with them, so naturally everything that has to do with them is fascinating as well!

Besides the Moomin relation, the uniqueness of Söderskär lies within the impressive milieu, but of course also the lighthouse itself. The lighthouse represents the mysticism of adventure, previous times and extreme circumstances. In their imagination visitors can walk in the footsteps of the past lighthouse workers and pilots.

We took the boat of Royal Line to get to the island and enjoyed a nice bowl of hot salmon soup on the way to the island.


Helsinki's harbor looked as beautiful as always when we left!


I love being on the sea since there's always some fresh air onboard! We were excited when we saw the lighthouse after travelling for about two hours!


Once on the island, we got to enjoy its beautiful nature with a lot of birds nesting and stunning flowers. Incredible how much life there exists even in remote places like this!


We also enjoyed some yummy pancake with whipped cream and jam in the lighthouse café! I adored all the sea themed items inside the wooden countryside style house, e.g. the captain outfit! There was even a cute shop with lighthouse related items in the house!


After having a little snack we headed to the actual lighthouse where we had a guided tour! The view from above was stunning, as well as the reflecting lens!


The interior of the lighthouse was filled with amazing old time photos showing the lighthouse's history. There had been dances and wartime lottas and soldiers on the island so it has quite a colorful and interesting history.


There was even a suite that one could rent for a night inside the lighthouse! The room had been used during wartime as a radio contact center and it still had items related to that. History was so tangible in this room!


I think the lighthouse was in very good condition, even the steep staircases, thanks to all the maintance that volontiers and donators have done.


The island had a beautiful connection bridge to the island near by. I recommend Söderskär to all visitors who want to enjoy peace and a creative athmosphere in the middle of the sea!


I actually went shopping yesterday for some rainboots and a rain jacket, and used the jacket today since the weather on sea can be unpredictable. I've noticed that it's always a good idea to wear wind-proof clothing on islands, especially on a windy day like this one! The rainboots and rain jacket will come handy in autumn when the weather gets rainier. I love the floral Jackpot boots! The white Didriksons rain coat is also perfect - exactly what I was looking for!


What do you think about lighthouses? Do you share my love for them?

What's your opinion?

  1. I am so glad you were able to experience this! It looks like so much fun. These pictures are so beautiful! You look happy and carefree! And the lighthouse is just gorgeous!
    the-creationofbeauty.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you Shannon, so am I! It truly was a fun day! I'm feeling happy right now :)

      xxx
      E

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  2. Beautiful pictures! That lighthouse looks so interesting and gorgeous! Love your rain jacket!

    http://vintagelillies.wordpress.com/

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  3. So beautiful pictures !
    I love !
    Hope you enjoy it !

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  4. I cherish moomins especially the book Finn family moomin troll that tells about the hat of the magician :) I would love to see that light house too. Maybe you would catch up with the facts how to get there when we next time meet? Kisses xoxo

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    1. Yes, I'll gladly tell you how to get there next time we meet up :)

      xxx
      E

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  5. Really intresting blog sweety. Would you like to follow each other?
    kisses,
    http://www.keepitstylishandsexy.blogspot.com

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  6. your so artistic!I love it. http://couturerow.blogspot.com/

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  7. thank you for sharing a link to this post. I really enjoyed it :) it was especially cool to read it since my own Pakri lighthouse related memories are still fresh. the café looks lovely and actually there was one near Pakri lighthouse as well but it was just closing so unfortunately we could not visit. I think I want to go back one day :)

    Maiken - Part of me

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