Tungenes forms the northern end of Jæren, and the beginning of the sea route to Stavanger. A lighthouse was established here in 1828, at the initiative of both townsfolk and herring fishermen. Some tallow candles in an attic window in Tungevågen led the fishermen into Stavanger, and the herring gave the city great income. The lighthouse was later upgraded and modernized, and eventually became an important sea mark for all ship traffic in the area.
After the last development in 1959, the facility consists of four buildings: lighthouse building, outbuilding, and two lighthouse keeper's residences.