Year first lit 1740 (current) Construction stone tower Opened 1740 NGA number 10256 | Foundation stone Height 32 m Automated 1978 Year first constructed 1687 (first) | |
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Location Örskär, north of
Gräsö
Östhammar
Sweden Tower shape massive two-stage tower: octagonal prism lower section, cylindrical upper section with balcony and lantern Markings / pattern white tower with a black band on each stage Similar Söderarm, Skagsudde, Svenska Högarna, Bjuröklubb, Pite‑Rönnskär | ||
Örskär, is a Swedish island and lighthouse station located north of Gräsö on the Uppland coastline. A large part of the island is a nature reserve and it is rich of unusual flowers such as wild orchids. The island is also noted to be a good place for birding. A very small hostel exists on the island.
Contents
Map of %C3%96rsk%C3%A4r, Sweden
History
Örskär was one of the first lightstations to be built in Sweden. The first lighthouse was constructed of wood in 1684, but was burned down in 1738 when it was hit by the lightning. The present tower was constructed by the royal architect Carl Hårleman. The flame in the lantern ran on colza oil lamps, and mirrors collected the light. Kerosene lamps replaced the colza oil lamps in the 1870s. It was finally electrified in 1954. Today the lighthouse is owned and remote-controlled by the Swedish Maritime Administration.
Climate
Örskär has an oceanic climate with certain continental influence. Its exterior position from the Swedish mainland renders in smaller seasonal variations than nearby locations. Although it is a maritime microclimate, it is more prone to extremes in temperatures than other outlying weather stations.