Welcome to Garpen Lighthouse

Take the opportunity to visit Garpen Lighthouse  in Kalmarsund. Its unique environment and historic surroundings makes this island a real gem. The island is open to the public and there are communications by boat from Bergkvara Marina. You have reached the island within 15 minutes. Experience and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

As a visitor you can spend the day or stay overnight on Garpen. The buildings on the island are more or less intact from the time that the lighthouse station was built.

A Scandinavian summers dream, romantic and relaxing.

Naturally it is a ”must” to visit the balcony at the top of the lighthouse. Count the steps to the top where you will see the breathtaking panoramic views that Garpen Lighthouse has to offer. You can also visit the small lighthouse exhibition which is situated close by.

History

The first lighthouse was built as early as 1893. The material used was red and yellow brick, which however decomposed and cracked due to frost. For this reason the lighthouse was replaced in 1934 with a concrete tower, equipped with 119 steps.

A succession of lighthouse masters and lighthouse keepers and their families have resided on Garpen. During the 1930’s as many as 16 persons inhabited the island. The personnel worked in shifts throughout the night keeping a lookout for ships and ensuring the maintenance of the lighthouse. During the wintertime connections with the mainland could be severed due to ice obstacles for up to 14 days. The last functionaries left Garpen in 1967, when automation took over.

We wish you a pleasant stay at Garpen Lighthouse