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Sankt Jørgens Fyr

Øreodden 11, 3,5700, 5700 Svendborg, Denmark

Name and Location

Sankt Jørgens Fyr Lighthouse is located in the charming town of Svendborg, Denmark, situated on ��reodden, a picturesque peninsula that juts out into the Baltic Sea.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was designed by Danish architect J.D. Herholdt in the late 19th century. It has been guiding mariners safely into the harbor since 1874. Originally a manual operation lighthouse, Sankt Jørgens Fyr was automated in the mid-20th century.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is an iconic landmark with an octagonal shape topped with a tapering tower, reaching a height of approximately 30 meters (100 feet). The structure's exterior is clad in red brick, while its interior features a winding staircase and a lantern room housing a Fresnel lens.

Light and Navigation

Originally designed as an aid to navigation, Sankt Jørgens Fyr still functions as such, although its original purpose has been surpassed by modern technology and electronic beacons. The lighthouse is recognized for its cultural significance as a historic landmark.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is open to visitors during specific hours (please check with local authorities or online resources for exact times). Visitors can climb the tower for panoramic views of Svendborg and the surrounding area. On-site facilities include a museum and gift shop, offering insight into the history of the lighthouse and its role in maritime navigation.

Notable Views and Landscape

Take in the stunning views from the top of the lighthouse or capture memorable photos of the structure's unique architecture. The surrounding landscape offers picturesque scenery, with the Baltic Sea stretching out to the horizon.

Anecdotes and Folklore

As a beloved local landmark, Sankt Jørgens Fyr has its own share of stories and legends passed down through generations. Visit the nearby museum or talk to locals for tales of the lighthouse's significance in maritime history and folklore.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was automated in the mid-20th century. Today, it still functions as an aid to navigation, although its original purpose has been surpassed by modern technology and electronic beacons.

Further Information

For further reading, refer to the Danish National Heritage Agency's registry of cultural monuments (in Danish), Svendborg Museum: Lighthouses of Denmark, and Wikipedia: Sankt Jørgens Fyr (in English).

Details

NameSankt Jørgens Fyr
CitySvendborg
CountryDenmark
Coordinates55.0476773, 10.5966379
Year of construction1874
Eventsshipwrecks, notable visits from dignitaries and naval vessels
Storieslocal folklore and anecdotes
ArchitectJ.D. Herholdt
Construction materialred brick
Tower height30
Heritage statustrue
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast
View descriptionpanoramic views of Svendborg and the surrounding area
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiesmuseum, gift shop
Opening hourstrue
Nearby attractionsSvendborg Museum
Automatedtrue