Stora Känsö Lighthouse

The Stora Känsö lighthouse is situated on Styrsö Island, Sweden, along the Styrsö Hamnväg road. The island can be reached by ferry from the mainland town of Karlskrona.

History

The Stora Känsö lighthouse was built in 1944 as part of a series of coastal defenses to protect the Swedish coast against German naval raids during World War II. The lighthouse has been an important aid to navigation for mariners ever since its construction.

Architecture and Construction Materials

The Stora Känsö lighthouse is a characteristic example of mid-20th-century Swedish lighthouse design, featuring a cylindrical tower with a distinctive green-painted upper section. The tower stands 11 meters (36 feet) tall, while the focal height reaches 22 meters (72 feet). The lighthouse's structure is made from cast iron and concrete.

Light Characteristics

• The Stora Känsö lighthouse emits a distinctive pattern of three green lights, with each light having a range of 3-5 nautical miles.
• The red light has a range of 4-5 nautical miles, while the white light has a range of 5 nautical miles.

Current Status

The Stora Känsö lighthouse is currently an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its construction. However, the lighthouse remains open to visitors and is operated by the Swedish Coast Guard as a museum.

Heritage Status

The Stora Känsö lighthouse was designated as a protected cultural heritage site in 2001, recognizing its importance as an example of mid-20th-century Swedish architecture and engineering.