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Backebådan Lighthouse

Fl White/Red/Green 3s🇸🇪Kungälvs kommun, SEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Backebådan Lighthouse

Backebådan lighthouse stands on a shoal situated between the islands of Dyrön and Instön, approximately 3 kilometers northeast of Marstrand. Constructed in 1988, this 7-meter cylindrical concrete tower houses the light and gallery. Its white, red, and green light flashes in a sequence of three seconds. The concrete structure is unpainted, but the lantern room is painted red with a white roof, a reversal of typical regional designs. The site is open to visitors who arrive by boat, though the tower itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for guiding vessels through the narrow waters between Dyrön and Instön, warning them of the shoal on which it sits. Its sector light system helps prevent groundings in this busy archipelago.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl White/Red/Green 3s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
3s
Raw Code
Fl WGR 3s
Focal Height
7m
Geographic Range
9.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1988

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
7m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
concrete
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery

Location

City
Kungälvs kommun
Country
🇸🇪Sweden
Region
Västra Götaland County
Sea Region
Located on a shoal halfway between the islands of Dyrön and Instön, about 3 km northeast of Marstrand.
Latitude
57.9159°
Longitude
11.6251°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Marstrand(2.0 km)
ARLHS No.
SWE-089
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Backebådan Lighthouse at night?+
Backebådan displays the characteristic Fl White/Red/Green 3s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white/red/green color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Backebådan Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Backebådan Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is DYRON at 0.7 NM to the NNW. Other ports served include ASTOL (1.3 NM WNW), Rönnäng (2 NM WNW), Marstrand (2.2 NM SW), NORDON NORTH (2.6 NM ESE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Backebådan Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Backebådan Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Backebådan Lighthouse?+
Backebådan Lighthouse is located within the Baltic Sea trade route — a vital shipping corridor for trade between Scandinavian, German, Polish, and Baltic state ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Backebådan Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Backebådan Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.