The Smygehuk Lighthouse stands at the very southern tip of Sweden, overlooking the busy waters of the Öresund Strait. Nestled in the village of Smygehuk within Trelleborg Municipality, Skåne County, this red-and-white iron tower has become a striking landmark for both sailors and tourists.
Historical background traces the tower’s origin to 1880, when architect Gustaf Rydberg designed a 19-meter-tall beacon to guide vessels between Sweden and Denmark. The light entered service in 1883 and faithfully illuminated the coast for nine decades until its de-activation in 1973. After a period of quiet, the lighthouse was painstakingly restored and relit in April 2001, re-establishing its role as a navigational aid.
Recent restoration and visitor upgrades
A recent renovation, financed by local tourism initiatives, focused on preserving the structure’s historic fabric while improving accessibility. New informational panels now explain the lighthouse’s maritime significance and its contribution to the safety of the Öresund Strait. The work also addressed weather-induced decay, ensuring the iron tower remains stable for future generations.
From keeper’s quarters to boutique hospitality
The former keeper’s apartments have been creatively repurposed into a boutique restaurant and a small hostel, offering guests a unique stay within a living piece of history. Diners can enjoy regional cuisine while gazing out over the sea, and overnight guests experience the rare charm of sleeping beneath the same roof that once housed lighthouse keepers.
Each summer, the lighthouse joins the international International Lightship Weekend inviting amateur radio operators to set up stations and exchange signals from this historic site. The event adds a lively, technological twist to the otherwise tranquil setting.
Celebrating 143 years of maritime heritage
In the upcoming summer, the community will mark the 143rd anniversary of the lighthouse’s construction with a festival featuring guided tours, historical reenactments, and hands-on maritime workshops. These activities aim to educate visitors about the region’s seafaring past while showcasing the lighthouse’s continued relevance.
Beyond special events, the tower remains open year-round for tourists seeking panoramic views from its lantern room. The ascent rewards climbers with sweeping vistas of the sandy beaches, coastal dunes, and the bustling shipping lanes of the strait, making it a must-see spot on any Swedish itinerary.
