Saxby (Vormsi) lighthouse Infrastructure

The lighthouse is located on the north-west side of Vormsi island on Cape Saxby. It is an important maritime navigation spot at the northern end of the Väinameri sea. The first cast iron lighthouse on Cape Saxby was built in 1864, but it turned out to be too short for Vormsi as it was impossible to see it from behind the forest. The new lighthouse was ordered from a casting factory in Liibava. This new cast iron lighthouse with a green dome was built in 1871. It was 24 metres tall, including the lantern room (the height of the lantern is 27 metres above the sea level). The previous cast iron lighthouse was transferred from Vormsi to Vaindloo. The components of the new lighthouse were brought on a ship on put together on site. Most likely, a harbour bridge was built to unload the components – the ruins of the bridge can be seen a few hundred metres to the south of the lighthouse.

The construction of the Russian Navy’s Peter the Great Naval Fortress signal posts began in 1912. One such signal post was constructed next to Saxby lighthouse.

The lighthouse was damaged in both the First and Second World Wars, though it was restored after both. Later on, the design of the lighthouse wasn’t changed, only the equipment was modernised. In 1950, the lighthouse was switched to electric supply.

A residential building, a petrol warehouse and a well built in 19th century are still standing.