Egersheld Lighthouse
Founded in 1876, the Egersheld Lighthouse reckons among the oldest lighthouses in the Far East. For over one hundred years it serves not only as the main landmark for seamen who enter the Port of Vladivostok, but also as one of its key attractions, which is always included in the tourists' must-visit lists.
The lighthouse stands at the extremity of the narrow stony spit - Tokarevskaya Koshka - that juts out in the sea from the namesake cape. It is considered Vladivostok's utmost southern continental point, and there is only the sea abyss further. The 750-meter long spit is artificially raised and has a form of a dam.
Strong tidal currents near the Tokarevsky Cape und shallow waters that make difficulties for passing ships called forth lighthouse's construction. The Egersheld Lighthouse was built in order to ensure safe passage to the Port of Vladivostok through Eastern Bosphorus Strait for ships coming from Amur Bay's side.
It was named in honor of Peter the Great Bay's legendary explorer, captain second rank Gustav Egersheld. In the year 1860, corvette 'Griden' arrived in Vladivostok under his command and spent almost a year in the Zolotoy Rog Bay, hunting and supplying the posts on the South-Ussuri Krai's coast with provision. The crew built barracks and officer's outhouse, raised workshop's and smithy's walls, equipped boat wharf with crane on the bay's northern coast.
For 35 years the Egersheld Lighthouse was just a glowing sign. Only in 1910, the 12-meter high, round stone white tower was built on the octahedral foundation. The bridge, connecting it with lighthouse settlement on the Tokarevsky Cape, was constructed for convenient access to the lighthouse. The tower survived unchanged until now and is one of the most recognizable symbols of Primorsky Krai's capital.
The Egersheld Lighthouse and its beach is Vladivostok's residents' favourite recreation place, particularly in summer. The tourists come here in the first place to admire breathtaking views that open from the lighthouse: there are Russky Island and the Port of Vladivostok on the left, and the incredibly beautiful sea merging with empyrean dome to the right.
Getting here. You can reach the Egersheld Lighthouse afoot. However, you should consider that during the tide water rises on several dozens of centimeters here. You can also use water transport, for example, mini-ferry or barge.
