Grimskär

About

Grimskär is an island in the Kalmar Strait, Sweden, close to the city of Kalmar. During the Middle Ages, the island was probably used for executions of criminals, whose bodies were left displayed there as a warning to ships passing by. Its strategic location made it frequently contested during hostilities between Sweden and Denmark. In the 16th century, ideas to fortify the island were put forward, and the first fort was constructed in 1611. In 1623, a larger star-shaped fort with three bastions was constructed. It saw action during the Scanian War in 1677–1679, and was repeatedly repaired and improved during the 17th and 18th centuries. By 1822, the fort had lost its military significance and was abandoned. The island was instead taken over by the predecessor of the Swedish Maritime Administration and, in 1837, a pilot station and a small lighthouse was built. A new, larger lighthouse was built in 1865. In 1931, the pilot station was moved to Kalmar and, in 1941, the lighthouse dismantled. A mine station was secretly installed in 1957, and operated throughout the Cold War until 1988. Today the island is cared for by the National Property Board of Sweden. Grimskär is open to the public and it is possible to visit the island.

Adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). Photography via Wikimedia Commons.