Name and Location

Åstholmsudde Lighthouse is located at 9PQM+6P Storhamn, Sweden, on the eastern coast of Västernorrland County.

Construction and History

The Åstholmsudde Lighthouse was constructed in 1845 during the era of Swedish maritime expansion. The original structure was built using local limestone and wood, with a height of approximately 23 meters (75 feet). Over the years, the lighthouse underwent several renovations and modernizations to ensure its continued functionality.

Architecture and Materials

The Åstholmsudde Lighthouse features a unique octagonal shape, characteristic of many traditional Swedish lighthouses. The original structure was designed by architect Carl August Ehrensvärd, who incorporated elements of Italian Renaissance architecture into the design. The lighthouse's distinctive tower is adorned with a weather vane and topped with a lantern room housing a Fresnel lens.

Light and Navigation

The Åstholmsudde Lighthouse originally featured a fixed white light, which was later replaced with an occulting light (Fl(3)W.15s) to improve its visibility in foggy conditions.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse is not open to the public for visitation, as it is located in a remote area and requires permission from the Swedish Maritime Administration. However, visitors can admire the structure's unique architecture and scenic surroundings from a distance.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse is situated on a picturesque coastal area, surrounded by rolling hills, forests, and the Baltic Sea. The nearby town of Söråker offers a range of amenities and attractions for visitors.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to folklore, the lighthouse was once home to a mysterious keeper who would disappear during storms, only to reappear after the weather cleared.

Technical and Operational Details

The Åstholmsudde Lighthouse was automated in 1966, marking the end of manual operation. Today, it is no longer a functioning aid to navigation but remains an important cultural and historical landmark.

Further Information

For those interested in learning more about the Åstholmsudde Lighthouse or Swedish maritime history, several books and articles are available.