The north tip of Öland

Simple accommodation in a magnificent setting

The north tip of Öland is a popular visitor destination, and for some years it has been possible to ascend the Långe Erik lighthouse (32 metres high).

The National Property Board acquired the island of Stora grundet in 1998 from forestry company Assidomän. The island's buildings include the lighthouse keeper's quarters and another house, divided into three apartments, for his assistants. These apartments are occupied all year round. The houses are simple but offer no ordinary accommodation.

Erik at the north end and Jan at the south end

The idea of a lighthouse at the north tip of Öland was first mooted in the late 17th century but did not come to fruition until 1844, when the King of Sweden granted funding for the construction of a new lighthouse consisting of a 27-metre-high round sandstone tower rendered in white.

Långe Erik was built in 1845 and has been a national historic monument since 1935. Långe Erik and the foghorn building are owned by Sjöfartsverket (the Swedish Maritime Administration). At the south end of Öland is another lighthouse, Långe Jan.

Key dates for the island and its residents

• 1845: Långe Erik lighthouse built.
• 1866: The lighthouse's rape-oil lamp replaced with a paraffin lamp.
• 1899: Top of tower rebuilt to accommodate new lens apparatus with lux light.
• 1910: New living quarters and outhouse built for lighthouse keeper. Old living quarters modified and extended.
• 1946: Lighthouse and living quarters connected to mains electricity.
• 1965: Living quarters modernized. Central heating, mains water and sewerage installed. Island gained a road link.
• 1976: Lighthouse automated.

Location map

North Tip of Öland. Location map of Stora grundet island pdf 1441 kB, 2005-05-19

External link

• Långe Erik