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Skallen Lighthouse

Oc White/Red/Green 4s🇸🇪Kungälvs kommun, SEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Skallen Lighthouse

This concrete lighthouse was constructed in 1944 and first lit in the same year. The structure is a 6-meter-tall cylindrical tower painted white, topped with a lantern and gallery. Its focal height reaches 13 meters above sea level. The light emits white, red, and green signals in a cycle of 4 seconds. Skallen is located on the western tip of Marstrandsön island, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the mainland and 1 kilometer from the port of Marstrand. The site is accessible to the public, though the tower itself is closed for entry.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is essential for guiding vessels around the western tip of Marstrandsön island, a key navigational point for approaching or leaving Marstrand.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc White/Red/Green 4s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Interval
4s
Raw Code
Oc WRG 4s
Focal Height
13m
Light Range
14NM (25.9 km)
Geographic Range
11.3NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1944

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
6m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted white

Location

City
Kungälvs kommun
Country
🇸🇪Sweden
Region
Västra Götaland County
Sea Region
Western tip of the island of Marstrandsön, about 2.5 km west of Marstrand.
Latitude
57.8905°
Longitude
11.5583°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Marstrand(1.0 km)
Admiralty No.
C0493
NGA No.
0712
Wikidata
Q39661290 →
OpenStreetMap
View on OSM →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Skallen Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 13 meters and a nominal range of 14 nautical miles (approximately 25.9 km), Skallen is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. This range makes it a significant coastal navigation aid for vessels transiting the area.
How do mariners identify Skallen Lighthouse at night?+
Skallen displays the characteristic Oc White/Red/Green 4s. 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 Skallen Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Skallen Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Marstrand at 0.9 NM to the ESE. Other ports served include ASTOL (2.2 NM NNE), Rönnäng (2.7 NM N), DYRON (2.9 NM NE), BLEKET (3.6 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Skallen Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Skallen 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 Skallen Lighthouse?+
Skallen 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 Skallen Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Skallen 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.