Name and Location

The Skälholmen Lighthouse is located on the Swedish west coast near Fjällbacka, Västra Götaland County, Sweden (coordinates: 58.5434728° N, 11.0946661° E).

Construction and History

Skälholmen Lighthouse was built in 1862 to guide mariners through the treacherous waters of the North Sea. It has served as a beacon for generations, playing a crucial role in maritime heritage.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse's architecture is characterized by a traditional Swedish style, with a rectangular tower built from local limestone and topped with a lantern room housing the original optic lens. The structure stands at a height of 14 meters (46 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 27 meters (89 feet).

Light and Navigation

The Skälholmen Lighthouse exhibits a unique light characteristic: Fl(3)W.15s, indicating a flashing white light with a period of six seconds and a range of approximately eight nautical miles.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can access the lighthouse via a scenic coastal path or by boat. The site is open to the public, offering stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the North Sea.

Notable Views and Landscape

The area surrounding Skälholmen Lighthouse is picturesque, with rolling hills, rocky shores, and sandy beaches. This landscape is home to diverse marine life, including seals, dolphins, and seabirds.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Technical and Operational Details

Originally operated manually by a lighthouse keeper, the Skälholmen Lighthouse was automated in the 1980s to ensure continuous operation and reduce maintenance needs.

Further Information

The lighthouse has been recognized as an important cultural heritage site by the Swedish National Heritage Board (Riksantikvarieämbetet). For more information, consult US NGA Pub. 116, _Lighthouse Photography_, and _Sweden's Coastal Wonders_.