In 1771-72, two beacons with coal fires on top of the towers were built at Nakkehoved. They formed an essential part of the lighthouse display along the international sea route through the Kattegat. There had been one lighthouse at Kullen since 1560. After 1772, shipping could therefore distinguish between the Danish and Swedish sides by the number of lighthouses.
In 1800, Poul Løwenørn covered the lighthouses with glass domes. The coal fire was maintained until 1833, when oil burners were installed. Nakkehoved Østre Fyr was extinguished in 1898 and a rotating lens device was installed in the elevated Vestre Fyr. Østre Fyr has been restored to the year 1800 and is one of the few preserved coal lighthouses in the world.
Visit the Lighthouse History Museum at Nakkehoved Lighthouse In the old lighthouse keeper's residence, a museum has been set up that shows the history of the lighthouses. You can see the lighthouse keeper's office and in good weather it is possible to go all the way up the tower and walk around the lens. Part of the museum also tells the story of King Frederik the 7th and Countess Danner, who visited Nakkehoved several times. Several have been married at the top of the tower over time.
After visiting the museum it is nice to take a walk along the coast and close to the lighthouse there is a staircase that leads all the way down to the beach.