Långe Jan Lighthouse

Mörbylånga, Öland, Sweden

Långe Jan ("Tall John") is a Swedish lighthouse located at the south cape of Öland. It is one of Sweden's most famous lighthouses and also the tallest lighthouse in Sweden. The lighthouse was built in 1785, probably by Russian prisoner of wars. The tower was built by stone from an old chapel. Originally the light was an open fire, and the tower was unpainted. It was painted white in 1845, and the same year the tower's lantern was installed, to store a colza oil lamp. A couple of years later a black band was added to the tower.

The lighthouse remains in use and is remote-controlled by the Swedish Maritime Administration in Norrköping. During the summer-season it is possible to climb the tower, for a small fee. The buildings surrounding the tower is Ottenby birding station.

References:

Comments

Your name



Details

Founded: 1785
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in Sweden
Historical period: The Age of Enlightenment (Sweden)

Rating

4.4/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Reinhart Lutz (3 years ago)
Fun place. With sone luck you can see some Baltic Seals in the water at the shore.
Samantha Kenny (3 years ago)
We really enjoyed walking around the area and going up the lighthouse. My kids enjoyed looking at the birds, seals and sheep. The restaurant was good too, slightly pricey but worth it
Pascal Kahlig (3 years ago)
Place is located in a natural reserve in which you can observe birds and seals. Definitely a must see if you are in Oland. Wonderful landscape and animal life.
Alin Popescu (aLLin) (3 years ago)
Bird lovers paradise. If you go up on the Lighthouse, the view over the sea and south Öland is breathtaking!
Ola Sevandersson (3 years ago)
Many steps and great view .. worth 40sek .. you tell me :)
Powered by Google

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Historic Site of the week

Walls of Constantinople

The Walls of Constantinople are a series of defensive stone walls that have surrounded and protected the city of Constantinople (today Istanbul) since its founding as the new capital of the Roman Empire by Constantine the Great. With numerous additions and modifications during their history, they were the last great fortification system of antiquity, and one of the most complex and elaborate systems ever built. They were also the largest and strongest fortification in both the ancient and medieval world.

Initially built by Constantine the Great, the walls surrounded the new city on all sides, protecting it against attack from both sea and land. As the city grew, the famous double line of the Theodosian Walls was built in the 5th century. Although the other sections of the walls were less elaborate, they were, when well-manned, almost impregnable for any medieval besieger.