LÃ¥nge Jan

The Långe Jan (German: Langer Jan ) is a lighthouse on the southern tip of the Swedish Baltic island of Öland. He is with a height of 41.6 meters, the tallest lighthouse in Scandinavia.

The lighthouse was built from 1784 to 1785, other than construction details have from the years 1778-1785. Perhaps most construction Russian POWs were involved. As a building material of the rubble of the demolished St. John 's Chapel was used. The chapel was located a little further north.

The first light of the tower was an open fire. A first coat of paint in white, the Lange Jan received in 1845. During this year a more modern lantern was installed in the tower. Some years later the tower was given a black stripe. This color scheme was retained until today.

The lighthouse is still in operation, although the lighting system has been modernized and is remotely controlled today. In summer, the tower is open to visitors.

The tower is surrounded by several buildings belonging to the bird observatory Ottenby. A restaurant and a gift shop are located there.

The northern counterpart to Lången, Jan is the younger and smaller Långe Erik at the northern tip of Öland.