Älvsnabben Lighthouse

The Älvsnabben lighthouse has a rich and storied history dating back to the 13th century.

History

• The island, located near Muskö in the archipelago south of Stockholm, Sweden, was first mentioned as an anchoring place in the Danish Census Book of king Valdemar II.
• Over time, it became a key location for the Swedish navy, serving as a base for naval operations and shipping during the Thirty Years War and throughout the 17th century.
• The Vasa, Sweden's famous warship, was heading towards the marine base on Älvsnabben when it was launched in August 1628.
• However, the ship sank just 1200 meters from the king's castle in Stockholm shortly after its launch.
• Despite this setback, Älvsnabben continued to play a significant role in Swedish naval history.

In the 20th century, the island once again came into use as a military base, with the construction of the Muskö Naval Base.

Architecture

The Älvsnabben lighthouse is a small, unassuming structure that blends seamlessly into its surroundings.

Light Characteristics

• The Älvsnabben lighthouse emits five distinct lights, each with a specific range and color.
• The red light visible from 5 nautical miles away, followed by the green light at 4 nautical miles, white at 7 nautical miles, red again at 5 nautical miles, and finally green once more at 4 nautical miles.

Current Status

The Älvsnabben lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, although its status as a fully automated facility is unclear.

Location and Accessibility

The Älvsnabben lighthouse is located on the small island of Älvsnabben, near Muskö in the archipelago south of Stockholm, Sweden.

Access to the island is limited, with visitors requiring permission from the Swedish military authorities prior to arrival.

Heritage Status

Älvsnabben has been recognized as a significant historical site by the Swedish government, with its unique role in Swedish naval history and its association with the Vasa warship making it an important part of the country's maritime heritage.

Notable Historical Events

• The Älvsnabben lighthouse played a significant role in several notable historical events, including:
• The launch of the Vasa in 1628
• The Thirty Years War (1618-1648)
• The Scanian War (1675-1679)