Lågskär lighthouse
A lighthouse in the middle of the Åland Sea
Lågskär is a lighthouse island in the middle of the Åland Sea, south of Mariehamn. A navigational mark has stood here since the 1600s, and Lågskär became home to Åland’s first lighthouse in 1840. The present lighthouse was completed in 1920 and has guided shipping through these waters for more than a century.
Lågskär is more than a lighthouse. The lighthouse island is surrounded by a small archipelago of islands and skerries, giving the place a surprisingly varied landscape in the middle of the Åland Sea. For generations, lighthouse keepers lived here with their families, while today Lågskär is also known for its rich birdlife and is home to Lågskär Bird Observatory.
The History
The first lighthouse on Lågskär was lit in 1840. A new stone lighthouse was built in 1859, but was badly damaged during the First World War. The present lighthouse was completed in 1920. At 33 metres high, with 175 steps leading towards the lantern, it is the landmark most closely associated with Lågskär today.
For generations, Lågskär was both a workplace and a home for lighthouse keepers and their families. Children grew up on the island, and for a time a teacher even came to Lågskär to teach them. The lighthouse was automated in 1961, bringing the era of permanently staffed lighthouse stations on Lågskär to an end.
Lågskär Today
When the lighthouse was automated in 1961, a new chapter began on Lågskär. Since 1965, Ålands Fågelskyddsförening has operated Lågskär Bird Observatory, using the former lighthouse keepers’ house as its base.
Today, Lågskär is known not only for its lighthouse but also for its rich birdlife. Its location in the middle of the Åland Sea makes it an important place for observing migrating birds, with activity at the bird station from spring until late autumn.
The association rents the buildings and the lighthouse. The lighthouse was extensively renovated in 2024–2025.
Visit Lågskär with Shipland
A visit to Lågskär is weather dependent. The journey from Mariehamn takes about 45 minutes, with roughly half of the trip across open sea. Conditions therefore play an important part in when a visit to Lågskär is possible.
When visiting Lågskär with Shipland, I have my own key to the lighthouse, and the visit normally includes a guided visit inside. There is time to explore the island, learn about life at the old lighthouse station and experience the small archipelago surrounding it.
Lågskär is a place that tends to stay with people. Once you have been there, you don’t easily forget it.