LÅNGE ERIK
The Lighthouse at the Northern Tip of Öland

The lighthouse Långe Erik was built of limestone on foundations of large limestone slabs laid in clay. Långe Erik stands 32.1 metres tall and was built between 1844 and 1845. A timber keeper's house and a stone outhouse were also built. The bridge to Fyrholmen was added in 1965.

Originally, a rapeseed oil lamp served as the light source, and a pendulum clock mechanism powered the rotation of the lens assembly. In 1884, the rapeseed oil lamp was replaced by a kerosene lamp with a mantle. In the 1890s, the lenses were upgraded to ones that produced a faster flash.

In 1991, a modern rotating lantern was installed,  allowing Långe Erik's light to be seen from up to approximately 70 kilometres away. The lighthouse was electrified in 1946.

Three lighthouse keepers served here until the lighthouse was automated in 1976. The lighthouse remains operational and continues to play an important role as a navigational aid for mariners.

Långe Erik is a protected national heritage site and attracts tens of thousands of visitors every year.

The image shows the original drawing by J T Byström, bearing the inscription: "Approved at Stockholm Palace on 15 February 1844".