Sandhammaren

Sandhammaren runs several kilometres along the corner where the Skane coast turns north, pale fine sand with dune ridges behind it held by marram and then pine plantation, and it is regularly named the best beach in Sweden in domestic polls. The sandbanks offshore made this a notorious stretch for wrecks, which is why the lighthouse was built in 1862 - a cast-iron tower at the point. The water shelves gradually and the beach is wide enough that even a busy day leaves space. Behind the pines lies Hagestad nature reserve with sand steppe flora. Wind is constant here, which is what keeps the dunes moving.

Background

The lighthouse was first built as a pair of identical towers, since a single light here could have been confused with the one on Ertholmene. At the start the flame burned colza oil. In 1891 one tower was taken out of service and relocated to Pite-Rönnskär in Norrland, and the lamp was converted to paraffin at the same time. Electricity arrived in 1952 and the light was automated in 1976. The tower stands 29.5 metres tall, with a focal height of 32 metres and a range of 22 nautical miles. The Swedish Maritime Administration owns and operates it.

Source: Wikipedia, "Sandhammaren"

Highlights

• Several kilometres of pale sand - with dune ridges behind.
• A cast-iron lighthouse of 1862 - built for the offshore banks.
• Marram and pine plantation - holding the dunes.
• Hagestad reserve behind - sand steppe flora.

When to go

June to August. Half a day.

What to expect

Parking fills and is charged in high season. The wind is relentless. The water is cold and the shelving means a long walk out. Facilities are limited to the main access points.

Nearby

Ales Stenar is west; Simrishamn is north.