Name and Location

The Strömmingsbådan Lighthouse is a minor coastal light located off the town of Malax in the Vaasa coastal region of Ostrobothnia, western Finland. Its name, meaning "herring skerry," reflects the long tradition of Baltic herring fishing in these waters.

2. Construction and History

The construction era and architect of the Strömmingsbådan Lighthouse are not documented in available sources. It is presumed that the lighthouse was constructed at some point, but the exact date and details of its construction are unknown.

3. Architecture and Materials

The official name of the lighthouse is Strömmingsbådan, and it is a type of minor coastal light (daymark and light). The height of the tower/light above ground or water level is 16 meters, with a focal height of 16 meters above mean sea level. The appearance of the lighthouse is likely utilitarian, possibly constructed from steel or concrete.

4. Light and Navigation

The Strömmingsbådan Lighthouse is equipped with a long-flashing light displaying a characteristic group-4 pattern every 20 seconds, with a nominal range of 13 nautical miles. The light color/sectors are white for the sector between 000° and 170°, red for the sector between 170° and 200°, white again for the sector between 200° and 310°, and red once more for the sector between 310° and 360°.

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The Strömmingsbådan Lighthouse is not open to the public; it stands on an exposed shoal/skerry and can only be reached by private boat. The nearest embarkation point is Malax mainland or local islands in the Vaasa archipelago.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Strömmingsbådan Lighthouse stands in the innermost archipelago of the Gulf of Bothnia, an area characterized by low-lying skerries, rich birdlife (waterfowl, gulls), and seasonal sea ice. From the lantern gallery, one would see a panorama of scattered islets, fishing boats, and on clear days, the horizon across to the Kvarken Archipelago.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

There are no recorded keeper stories or notable events associated with the Strömmingsbådan Lighthouse. Its name origin reflects local fish ("strömming" = Baltic herring) and "bådan" (shallow skerry).

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated, powered by a likely solar/battery backed system typical of Finnish minor lights.

9. Further Information

For further information on the Strömmingsbådan Lighthouse, consult the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's List of Lights Pub. 116 (2011-07-07), Light C 4294, and Finnish chart series covering Malax-Vaasa coast._