Högby Lighthouse
Kalmar län
Högby Lighthouse is located on a cape about three kilometers east of Löttorp on northern Öland, Sweden. The lighthouse and the adjacent keeper's house are protected as a state historic building since 1978. The lighthouse was constructed in 1898 based on designs by Johan Höjer and is notable for its unique iron structure manufactured by Bergsunds Mekaniska Verkstad. Before installation, it was exhibited at the 1897 Stockholm General Art and Industrial Exhibition. The lighthouse tower is painted white and originally featured a rotating third-order Fresnel lens powered by a clockwork mechanism and illuminated by a kerosene lamp. Upgrades over the years included a lux lamp in 1908, electrification in 1945 with a 1000-watt lamp, and automation in 1967. Today, the original lens has been replaced with a modern AGA lens with a reduced light intensity of 60 watts. The keeper's house, built of brick with granite and limestone facades and a black slate roof, has been privately owned since 1976. The lighthouse remains operated by the Swedish Maritime Administration and stands as a unique example of maritime heritage in Sweden.
Plan your trip to Sweden with AI
Create a detailed itinerary in minutes. AI suggests the best places, restaurants, and an optimized route.
Tip: The best time to visit Högby Lighthouse is during the summer months when weather conditions are favorable and the surrounding nature is at its most vibrant. Visitors interested in maritime history should consider checking for any guided tours or open house events, as the lighthouse is privately owned but maintained as a historic site. Booking tickets in advance is recommended if tours are available. Discounts may be offered for seniors, students, or groups. As the lighthouse is situated on a cape, visitors should wear appropriate footwear for walking on uneven terrain.
Interesting facts
- •The lighthouse's iron tower is unique in Sweden and was manufactured by Bergsunds Mekaniska Verkstad.
- •Before being installed on Öland, the lighthouse was exhibited at the 1897 Stockholm General Art and Industrial Exhibition.
- •The keeper's house facade features granite sourced from Blå Jungfrun island and limestone, with a black slate roof.
- •The lighthouse was automated in 1967, ending the need for a resident lighthouse keeper.
History
Högby Lighthouse was built in 1898 following architectural plans by Johan Höjer.
Its iron tower was manufactured by Bergsunds Mekaniska Verkstad and showcased at the 1897 Stockholm General Art and Industrial Exhibition before being erected on Öland.
Initially equipped with a kerosene lamp and a rotating Fresnel lens powered by clockwork, it saw technological upgrades including electrification in 1945 and automation in 1967.
The lighthouse and keeper's house were declared state historic buildings in 1978, reflecting their cultural and architectural significance.
The keeper's house transitioned to private ownership in 1976, while the lighthouse remains under the Swedish Maritime Administration's care.
Place Guide
Lighthouse Tower1898
The distinctive white-painted iron tower built in 1898, showcasing unique Swedish iron construction and originally equipped with a third-order Fresnel lens.
Keeper's House1898
A brick building with granite and limestone facades and a black slate roof, originally housing lighthouse keepers and now privately owned since 1976.
