Name and Location

Gäven fyr (Lysekil Lighthouse) is situated near Lysekil, a charming town in Västra Götaland County on the west coast of Sweden.

Construction and History

The construction of Gäven fyr began in 1848 and was completed the following year. The lighthouse was built to guide mariners through the challenging waters of the Skagerrak Strait, a busy shipping lane connecting the Baltic Sea to the North Sea.

Initially, the lighthouse was manually operated by a keeper, who would light the lamp each evening to provide a beacon for ships.

Architecture and Materials

Gäven fyr's architectural style is a blend of traditional Swedish design with elements of Renaissance Revival. The structure stands 27 meters (89 feet) tall, with a focal height of 42 meters (138 feet). The lighthouse is made of stone, with a distinctive red-and-white striped tower.

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse originally displayed a fixed white light, but in 1912, it was modified to display a flashing light characteristic: Fl (3) W.15s. This pattern consists of three flashes every 15 seconds, making it easily visible from a distance.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can explore the surrounding area, including the scenic coastal path and nearby beaches. The lighthouse itself is not open to the public for safety reasons, but it can be admired from a distance. Guided tours are available upon request, but prior arrangements must be made with the local authorities.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the coastline and the Skagerrak Strait.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No anecdotes or folklore information is currently available for Gäven fyr.

Technical and Operational Details

Gäven fyr has been fully automated since the 1990s, eliminating the need for human operation. Although no longer serving as an active aid to navigation, the lighthouse remains an important part of Lysekil's cultural heritage and a popular tourist attraction.

Further Information

Latitude: 58.2708692

[Map link: https://www.google.com/maps/@58.2708692,11.3507132,19z]

Gäven fyr is recognized as a significant cultural and historical landmark in Sweden.