Långe Jan
Ottenby, Sweden
Sweden’s tallest lighthouse, 42 m, at the southern tip of Öland beside the Ottenby bird observatory. Climb it in summer for views over the nature reserve; the car park sits at the end of the road.
Långe Jan is the lighthouse at Ottenby on the southern tip of the island of Öland in Sweden, and at 41.6 m it is the tallest lighthouse in the country. It was first lit on 1 November 1785, when it stood about 36 m tall (60 cubits). Climbing it means tackling 197 steps, so the tower is not wheelchair accessible. The climb is possible in spring, summer and autumn, at the same times as the nature centre.
Around the tower lies Ottenby, with its bird observatory, the Naturum visitor centre and the restaurant Fågel Blå; the paths in the village are paved. According to Wikipedia, the bird observatory occupies the buildings around the lighthouse. Check opening times and the season in advance. A visit makes a good end to a drive through the southern half of Öland, for example after Eketorp.
- Nearest town
- Ottenby, Sweden
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 56.1966, 16.3990
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Sweden: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Congestion charges in Stockholm and Gothenburg; Øresund Bridge toll. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Ottenby Vandrarhem & CampingCampsite6 km from Långe JanTentsCaravansShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Motorhome stopover · OttenbyMotorhome stopover8 km from Långe JanMotorhomes
- Ställplats VentlingeMotorhome stopover10 km from Långe JanMotorhomes
- Ställplats drottning ÖdaMotorhome stopover11 km from Långe Jan · 18 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Sandviks CampingCampsite20 km from Långe Jan
- Kristianopel ResortCampsite23 km from Långe JanTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToilets
All campsites in Sweden · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Långe Jan?
Långe Jan is in Ottenby, Sweden, at GPS 56.1966, 16.3990. It is about 50 km from Karlskrona.
Can you camp near Långe Jan?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Ottenby Vandrarhem & Camping, about 6 km away; within 25 km there are 6 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Långe Jan?
Långe Jan is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kalmar and Öland: castles, windmills and lighthouses.
What is there to see near Långe Jan?
Places worth a stop nearby: Eketorp Fort (12 km), Kalmar Castle (51 km), Borgholm Castle (76 km) and Hoburgen (133 km).
When is the best time to visit Långe Jan?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)