Live like a lighthouse master in this new hotel on a remote Swedish island

A new hotel has been created on Sweden’s remote Hamneskär island, which is home to the famous Pater Noster lighthouse. It is on the site of the former 19th-century lighthouse master’s home on the rocky isle, giving a perfect view of the wild surroundings.

The tiny island of Hamneskär is located off Marstrand on the Swedish west coast. It got its name because the extremely hazardous waters surrounding the island inspired seafarers to read the Lord’s Prayer - Pater Noster in Latin - when their ships approached the dangerous reefs. The lighthouse was constructed in 1868 and given the name Pater Noster as a tribute to the sailors’ prayers.

Swedish design agency Stylt tranformed the lighthouse master’s old home © Erik Nissen Johansen

Although the island was considered uninhabitable, a house was built for the lighthouse master, his family and staff. For almost 110 years, generations of lighthouse keepers lived with their families in this extreme environment, caring for the lighthouse, rescuing shipwrecked sailors and creating a small and isolated society of its own. Swedish design agency Stylt has now transformed the lighthouse master’s old home, creating nine guest rooms accommodating up to 18 guests, a restaurant, bar and outdoor café.

The hotel used to be the lighthouse keeper's house © Erik Nissen Johansen

Guests arrive by rib boat from Marstrand or Gothenburg, and are offered back-to-nature pursuits such as sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, cookery lessons and meditation in the lighthouse itself. Short story writing is encouraged, and the quiet ‘gunpowder cabin’ offers the ideal writing den. Guests can also try deep-sea fishing and cooking their catch.

The hotel is located on a rugged island © Erik Nissen Johansen

“During my 30 years within the hospitality business, I have rarely come across such a unique destination,” says Stylt founder, Erik Nissen Johansen. “It’s all there - the remote location, the fantastic nature, the extreme weather conditions, the thrilling history - and great hospitality with a dash of roughness and low-key luxury."