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Skansgrundet Lighthouse

Oc (2) White/Red/Green 20s🇸🇪Torsås kommun, SEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Skansgrundet Lighthouse

Also known as: Skansgrundet (Grimskär)

Constructed in 1940, this concrete lighthouse stands 19 meters tall on a shoal approximately 800 meters southeast of the Kalmar waterfront. Its cylindrical tower, painted black with a broad green horizontal band, is mounted on a conical pier and topped with a lantern and gallery. This modern structure replaced the historic Grimskär lighthouse, which had served since 1878. The lighthouse emits an occulting white, red, or green light, with two flashes every 20 seconds, visible for 12.7 nautical miles. Its focal height is 18 meters above sea level. It is located within Torsås kommun in Kalmar County, Sweden.

Why it matters: This lighthouse is important for maritime traffic navigating the approaches to Kalmar harbor, warning vessels away from the shoal it occupies. It continues a long-standing navigational tradition in the area.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Oc (2) White/Red/Green 20s
Flash Type
Occulting
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
2 flashes
Interval
20s
Raw Code
Oc(2) WRG 20s
Focal Height
18m
Light Range
15NM (27.8 km)
Geographic Range
12.7NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1940

Significant events: replaced the historic 1878 Grimskär lighthouse

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Bergkvara(1.2 km)
Admiralty No.
C7390
NGA No.
7844
ARLHS No.
SWE-346
Wikidata
Q39028655 →

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
19m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
black with one broad green horizontal band
Material
concrete

Structure: round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a conical concrete pier

Location

City
Torsås kommun
Country
🇸🇪Sweden
Region
Kalmar County
Sea Region
on a shoal about 800 m (1/2 mi) southeast of the Kalmar waterfront
Latitude
56.3905°
Longitude
16.1287°

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Skansgrundet Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 18 meters and a nominal range of 15 nautical miles (approximately 27.8 km), Skansgrundet is visible from well offshore under standard atmospheric conditions. Actual visibility depends on observer height, weather, and sea state. Lights of this range are typically used as landfall lights by vessels approaching from the open sea.
How do mariners identify Skansgrundet Lighthouse at night?+
Skansgrundet displays the characteristic Oc (2) White/Red/Green 20s — 2 white/red/green flashes every 20 seconds. 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 Skansgrundet Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Skansgrundet Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Ar at 1 NM to the WSW. Other ports served include Bergkvara (1.6 NM WSW), Mörbylånga (11.3 NM NE), Kalmar (18.4 NM NNE), Färjestaden (18.9 NM NE). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Skansgrundet Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Skansgrundet 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 Skansgrundet Lighthouse?+
Skansgrundet 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 Skansgrundet Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Skansgrundet 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.