Långe Jan
Sweden's tallest lighthouse
Långe Jan, official name Öland Södra Udde (southern tip of Öland), is the tallest lighthouse in Sweden. It is located about 5 kilometers south of the village Näsby in the nature reserve Ottenby at the extreme southern tip of the Swedish Baltic island Öland.
The lighthouse was put into operation after nearly two years of construction on November 1st, 1785. Långe Jan has a diameter of about 12 meters and a total height of 41.6 meters. The stones are from the ruins of the nearby S:t Johannes chapel. The name Jan is the short form of Johannes.
At first the lighthouse was still operated with an open coal fire on top of the platform. In 1907, the current lamp house with the rotating lens device was installed. In 1948, the lighthouse got an electrically powered light source. Today, the Långe Jan is unmanned and in remote control.
The tower is open to the public from spring to autumn. Who climbed the 197 steps up to the platform, can enjoy the extensive view over the island and the sea.
At the bottom of the lighthouse is the visitor center Naturum Ottenby and the ornithological station Ottenby Fågelstation. Both provide interesting knowledge about the Ottenby Naturreservat, which is by the way one of the largest bird protection areas in Sweden. There is also a restaurant, where you can drink some coffee and eat cake and hot meals.
