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När Fyr

NÄR NÄRSHOLMEN 897, 623 48 Stånga, Sweden

Name and Location

När Fyr is a historic lighthouse located on the southeastern coast of Gotland Island, Sweden.

Construction and History

Built in 1850, När Fyr was constructed during the era of maritime expansion and trade growth in Sweden. The lighthouse was designed by architect Carl-Eric Lewenhaupt and built using local limestone and granite stones. Its construction was a response to the increasing importance of Gotland Island as a key trading hub between Sweden and other European countries.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an impressive height of 21 meters (69 feet) with a focal height of 24 meters (79 feet). It was built using local limestone and granite stones.

Light and Navigation

När Fyr is equipped with a distinctive white light, which emits every 8 seconds (character: Oc). The light has a range of 16 nautical miles (30 kilometers) and is visible for approximately 200 degrees. In addition to the main light, the lighthouse also features two secondary lights, one red and the other white, which are activated at specific intervals.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors can reach När Fyr via car or public transportation from Stånga, Gotland Island's main town. The lighthouse is situated in a scenic coastal area, offering stunning views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding landscape. While there are no guided tours or on-site facilities available, visitors can explore the area around the lighthouse at their leisure.

Notable Views and Landscape

The lighthouse offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding landscape.

Anecdotes and Folklore

According to local folklore, När Fyr has played a significant role in maritime history, serving as a beacon for ships and sailors navigating the treacherous Baltic Sea. The lighthouse's location has also been marked by several notable events, including shipwrecks and rescues over the years.

Technical and Operational Details

Until its automation in the mid-20th century, När Fyr was operated by a human lighthouse keeper who ensured the light's continuity. Today, the lighthouse is fully automated, with no human presence required to maintain its operation.

Further Information

När Fyr is listed as a historic landmark by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) and featured in various nautical charts and publications, including the Swedish Charts and Maps Service (SCMS).

Details

NameNär Fyr
City
CountrySweden
Coordinates57.218275, 18.6810476
Year of construction1850
Eventsshipwrecks and rescues over the years
Historic significanceplayed a significant role in maritime history, serving as a beacon for ships and sailors navigating the treacherous Baltic Sea
Storiesaccording to local folklore, När Fyr has played a significant role in maritime history
ArchitectCarl-Eric Lewenhaupt
Construction material"local limestone and granite stones"
Focal height24
Tower height21
Heritage statustrue
Access descriptionby car or public transportation from Stånga, Gotland Island's main town
Accessibletrue
View descriptionstunning views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding landscape
Guided toursfalse
Light characteristic"Oc (every 8 seconds)"
Light range16
Automatedtrue