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
Name | När Fyr |
---|---|
City | |
Country | Sweden |
Coordinates | 57.218275, 18.6810476 |
Year of construction | 1850 |
Events | shipwrecks and rescues over the years |
Historic significance | played a significant role in maritime history, serving as a beacon for ships and sailors navigating the treacherous Baltic Sea |
Stories | according to local folklore, När Fyr has played a significant role in maritime history |
Architect | Carl-Eric Lewenhaupt |
Construction material | "local limestone and granite stones" |
Focal height | 24 |
Tower height | 21 |
Heritage status | true |
Access description | by car or public transportation from Stånga, Gotland Island's main town |
Accessible | true |
View description | stunning views of the Baltic Sea and surrounding landscape |
Guided tours | false |
Light characteristic | "Oc (every 8 seconds)" |
Light range | 16 |
Automated | true |