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Vännskär Lighthouse

Fl (3) White/Red/Green 9s🇸🇪Robertsfors kommun, SEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Vännskär Lighthouse

Also known as: Vännskär (Ytre Vännskär)

Built in 1920, Vännskär lighthouse is a cast iron tower with a lantern and gallery, standing on a concrete base. The structure, painted red, reaches a height of 11.5 meters, with its focal plane at 15 meters. It emits three flashes of white, red, or green light in a 9-second cycle, indicating different sectors for navigation. Located on an island approximately 5 miles east of Sikeå Hamn, this lighthouse is accessible only by boat. The surrounding site is open to visitors, though the tower itself remains closed.

Why it matters: Vännskär lighthouse aids safe passage in the waters east of Sikeå Hamn with its directional light signals. Its distinctive black and white spiral banding makes it an architecturally unusual structure among Swedish lighthouses.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
Fl (3) White/Red/Green 9s
Flash Type
Flashing
Light Color
White/Red/Green
Flash Count
3 flashes
Interval
9s
Raw Code
Fl(3) WRG 9s
Focal Height
15m
Light Range
9.2NM (17.0 km)
Geographic Range
11.9NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1920

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
11.5m
Tower Color
red
Material
concrete, cast iron

Structure: cast iron tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a concrete base

Location

City
Robertsfors kommun
Country
🇸🇪Sweden
Region
Västerbotten County
Sea Region
on an island about 5 mi east of Sikeå Hamn
Latitude
64.1615°
Longitude
21.1299°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Sikea(5.6 km)
Admiralty No.
C5840
NGA No.
116-11324
ARLHS No.
SWE-416
Wikidata
Q41696509 →
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Frequently Asked Questions

How far offshore can Vännskär Lighthouse be seen?+
With a focal height of 15 meters and a nominal range of 9.2 nautical miles (approximately 17.0 km), Vännskär 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 Vännskär Lighthouse at night?+
Vännskär displays the characteristic Fl (3) White/Red/Green 9s — 3 white/red/green flashes every 9 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 Vännskär Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Vännskär Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Böda at 4.4 NM to the N. Other ports served include BYVIKEN (22.6 NM SSW), Umeå (30.4 NM SW), Rönnskär (31.3 NM N), Skelleftehamn (31.4 NM N). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Vännskär Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Vännskär 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 Vännskär Lighthouse?+
Vännskär 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 Vännskär Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Vännskär 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.