Utklippan

Utklippan
Location Baltic Sea, Southeast of Karlskrona, Sweden
Coordinates 55°57′N 15°42′E / 55.950°N 15.700°ECoordinates: 55°57′N 15°42′E / 55.950°N 15.700°E
Year first constructed 1870
Year first lit 1789
Automated 1972
Deactivated 2008, passing light active
Foundation Stone
Construction Stone, iron
Tower shape Fortified building with conical skeletal iron tower
Markings / pattern Grey fortification, Red paint on tower
Height 31 m
Focal height 31 m
Original lens Mirrors
Current lensFresnel lens
Range 23 nautical miles (43 km; 26 mi)
Characteristic Fl. (1) 15 s (before deactivation)
Admiralty number C7442

Utklippan, is a Swedish lighthouse, and the name of two small islands Södraskär (South skerry) and Norraskär (North skerry). It has been a light station since 1789 when a basket light was in use. The now standing tower (built in 1870) replaced an older tower which was built in 1840 on top of an old fortress. The flame ran on colza oil. In 1887 the colza oil lamp was replaced with a kerosene lamp. It got electrically powered in 1948.

The Swedish Maritime Administration owns the lighthouse. In the summer of 2008 SMA reported that the white main light had been deactivated. It was not seen as an important lighthouse for commercial shipping any more. A small passing light remains in use. There is a very small hostel on the island, and a birding station also exists.

Panoramic view of Utklippan twin island; view from the small harbour bassin of the north island towards southeast, 30.07.2009

References