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Litløy fyr, on a small island off the northwest coast of Norway, was first lit in October 1912. For a time, it was the second most powerful lighthouse in Norway. The lighthouse was electrified in 1959 and then automated in 1991. Staff remained at the light station to maintain the property and to run a weather station. Eventually the staff was removed in 2003. Then, a couple of years later, the Norwegian Coastal Administration sold 20 lighthouses to new stewards. Elena Hansteensen bought Litløy fyr with the intention of making it accessible to the public.

Litløy fyr, Norway. (Courtesy of Littleisland Lighthouse)

The property, known as Littleisland Lighthouse in English, has been renovated. Overnight accommodations are now available, as well as guided tours. Travel and Leisure named Littleisland Lighthouse one of the best small hotels in the world. B&B. Elena Hansteensen is the owner and managing director of Littleisland Lighthouse. She was honored with an award for women entrepreneurs in 2017.

Elena Hansteensen

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