Godnatt

Godnatt is a defensive tower and lighthouse built from granite and sheet iron, standing on a small island guarding the entrance to the naval port. The structure rises as a fortified beacon combining both military and maritime safety functions in a single form.

Built between 1857 and 1863, this tower marked the end of a long tradition of castle keeps in Sweden as military fortification. Its defensive role became outdated almost as soon as it was completed due to advances in artillery technology.

Lighthouse keepers spent their lives here in the fortified structure, watching over ships that passed the naval port entrance. Their daily presence and work made this place a lived symbol of Sweden's maritime safety traditions.

Access to the tower happens only during summer months and requires prior arrangement through the Karlskrona tourist office. Since it sits on an island, check conditions and plan your visit in advance to ensure you can reach it safely.

This stands as one of the last castle keeps ever built in Sweden, representing the very end of a medieval fortification style. Though designed as a defensive stronghold, it served as a lighthouse from the start and never fulfilled its original military purpose.

Location: Karlskrona Municipality

Inception: 1879

Official opening: September 15, 1862

Made from material: granite, sheet iron, wood

Part of: Naval City of Karlskrona

Website: https://sfv.se/vara-fastigheter/sok/sverige/blekinge-lan/godnatt-fastningstorn

GPS coordinates: 56.14139,15.59442

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:08