mérket

Märket is a small, uninhabited island in the Baltic Sea, located off the western coast of Finland near the border with Sweden. The island is best known for the Märket Lighthouse, a masonry structure built between 1885 and 1887 to aid navigation in the busy Baltic routes. The lighthouse is embedded in the rock and forms part of a compact complex that includes keeper’s cottages and support facilities. The lighthouse remains an active aid to navigation and is maintained by the Finnish maritime authorities; it is accessible to visitors only by boat through guided arrangements, and the island has no permanent residents.

Geography and environment: Märket is characterized by rugged terrain, with rocky cliffs, sea stacks and a sparse interior pine forest. The surrounding waters are known for strong currents and hazardous seas, which historically underscored the need for a reliable navigational aid. The island is sometimes visited by researchers and birdwatchers seeking information on seabird colonies and coastal habitats. Its proximity to the Finland–Sweden border makes it a point of reference in regional maritime discussions, though the island remains under Finnish administration.

Access and preservation: Access to Märket is typically via private boat or charter from the Finnish coast, weather permitting. The island does not have permanent inhabitants and most facilities are limited to the lighthouse complex and maintenance infrastructure. The site is protected to preserve its natural and cultural value, with ongoing monitoring and conservation efforts to balance safety, accessibility, and ecological integrity.