Örskär

Örskär
Location Örskär, north of Gräsö, Östhammar, Sweden
Coordinates 60°31′N 18°22′E / 60.517°N 18.367°ECoordinates: 60°31′N 18°22′E / 60.517°N 18.367°E
Year first constructed 1740
Year first lit 1684
Automated 1978
Deactivated Active
Foundation Stone
Construction Stone
Tower shape Massive stone tower, octagonal lower section, round upper section
Markings / pattern White with two black bands
Height 32 m
Focal height 36,5 m
Original lens Mirrors
Current lens 4th order fresnel lens
Range 16 nautical miles (30 km; 18 mi)
Characteristic Fl. (2) 10 s W
Admiralty number C6236
NGA number 10256
ARLHS number SWE-2158

Örskär, is a Swedish island and lighthouse station located north of Gräsö on the Uppland coastline. A large part of the island is a nature reserve and it is rich of unusual flowers such as wild orchids. The island is also noted to be a good place for birding. A very small hostel exists on the island.

Örskär was one of the first lightstations to be built in Sweden. The first lighthouse was constructed of wood in 1684, but was burned down in 1738 when it was hit by the lightning. The present tower was constructed by the royal architect Carl Hårleman. The flame in the lantern ran on colza oil lamps, and mirrors collected the light. Kerosene lamps replaced the colza oil lamps in the 1870s. It was finally electrified in 1954. Today the lighthouse is owned and remote-controlled by the Swedish Maritime Administration.

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