Where is Örskär?

Örskär is located just north of Gräsö, in the outermost archipelago of North Uppland. The island is part of a large nature reserve and is surrounded by the open sea and the Argos shoal - known as one of Sweden's largest ship graveyards.

Accessibility

To get to Örskär, first travel to Öregrund, where you take the free car ferry to Gräsö. From the ferry terminal, follow the road north on Gräsö for about 2.2 kilometres until the road ends at Örskärssund. From there, take a pre-booked boat trip to the island. During the summer season, daily tours are offered (closed Mondays) including boat trip, lunch and lighthouse tour. 

In spring and autumn, boat trips take place on Saturdays and other days for groups.

Bus 811 runs between Uppsala and Öregrund. On Gräsö, bus 854 goes to Örskärssund (pre-booked via UL, service mainly on weekdays).

Service

Örskär offers simple but comfortable accommodation in the lighthouse keeper's house and two cabins - available for weekend, half-week or full-week hire depending on the season. There is also a sauna, barbecue facilities and self-catering. There is no shop or restaurant, but an extra boat trip to Gräsö for shopping is included for longer stays.

History of the programme

The Örskär Lighthouse was built between 1738-1740 and has since then been one of the Baltic Sea's most impressive sea marks. The lighthouse is still in operation and is one of the few tour lighthouses in the country. During the summer, you can join a guided tour up the tower, where you are greeted by a magnificent view of the sea and archipelago.

See and do

• Örskär Lighthouse - daily tours during summer
• Hike along signposted trails in the nature reserve
• Örskär nature and culture trail - 2.5 km with information boards
• Orchid spotting - 18 of Sweden's 28 orchid species grow here
• Bird watching - important resting place for migratory birds
• Listen to the pond frog - unique evening sound at the turn of May and June
• Swimming & fishing - cliffs, coves and quiet beaches
• Visit Argo's foundation - the site of many shipwrecks throughout history

Accommodation on the island

• Lighthouse keeper's residence (two apartments)
• Two cottages near the lighthouse site

Bookings can be made via www.orskarsfyr.se

Food & drink

• Self-catering - no restaurant or shop on the island
• Possibility of archipelago lunch on booked day trips
• Extra boat trip to Gräsö for purchases for weekly bookings

How to get here

1. Getting to Öregrund by car or bus
2. Car ferry from Öregrund to Gräsö (free, all year round)
3. Drive about 2.2 miles north on Gräsö to Örskärssund
4. Boat transfer to Örskär (pre-booking required)

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