Långe Jan, Maritime lighthouse in Ottenby, Sweden
Långe Jan is a white cylindrical tower with a black band rising 41.6 meters high, topped with a red-domed lantern and observation gallery at Öland's southern tip. The structure stands surrounded by several buildings that now serve as museum spaces and visitor facilities.
The tower began operations in 1785, guiding vessels through the Kalmar Strait, and was originally built by Russian prisoners. It has remained active as a working lighthouse while surrounding buildings were repurposed from residences into museum spaces over time.
The lighthouse functions as a working life museum, showcasing maritime heritage through exhibits about navigation methods and the responsibilities of lighthouse keepers. Visitors can experience firsthand how people carried out their daily duties in this seaside setting.
Visitors can climb the tower during summer months to enjoy views from the observation deck high above the surrounding landscape. The site is easily accessible by foot, and the grounds offer seating areas for lingering and exploring nearby trails.
The grounds host the Ottenby Bird Station, where researchers observe and document the behavior of migratory birds during their seasonal journeys. This location plays an important role in scientific monitoring of bird populations across the region.
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