Sprogø Fyr

The Spongø Fyr is a historic lighthouse located on the Danish island of Spongø, situated in the Great Belt strait between Zealand and Funen.

History

• Construction of the lighthouse began in 1868, replacing an older structure from 1809. The new tower was built by the mail service to serve as a navigational aid for ships traversing the strait.
• The island's strategic location made it an ideal spot for a lighthouse, and its construction marked an important milestone in Denmark's maritime history.

Architecture

The Spongø Fyr is a brick-built tower with a distinctive design. Its height of 19 meters (62 feet) above sea level serves as the focal point for the light, which can be seen from a distance of several kilometers.

Light Characteristics

The Spongø Fyr is equipped with a characteristic red-and-white striped pattern, visible from a range of 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers).

Current Status

The lighthouse remains an active navigational aid, although it has largely been automated.

The island is currently used as a nature reserve and is occasionally visited by tourists.

Sund og Bælt, the company that owns and operates the bridges nearby, also uses the island for maintenance and upkeep purposes.

Location and Accessibility

Spongø Island is located in the Great Belt strait, approximately 6.7 kilometers (4.2 miles) from the Zealand shore and 8 kilometers (5 miles) from the Funen shore.

The island can be accessed via a road suspension bridge connecting it to Zealand, as well as a road and rail bridge connecting it to Funen.

Heritage Status

The Spongø Fyr is listed on the Danish National Register of Historic Buildings, recognizing its importance in Denmark's maritime history.

The island itself has been designated as a nature reserve, protecting its unique ecosystem and historical significance.

Notable Historical Events

• Spongø Island has played host to several notable events throughout its history. In the 19th century, it was used as a station for the semaphore line across the Belt, Storebæltstelegrafen.
• The island also served as a containment facility for women deemed pathologically promiscuous between 1923 and 1961, a practice that has left a lasting legacy in Danish history.