Falknästet (“the Falcon’s Nest”) at Kullen Lighthouse was built in 1954–1955 by the Swedish Armed Forces as a military observation and lookout post during the Cold War. Among other things, the building served as an observation post for Batteri Helsingborg, a coastal artillery battery at Djuramåsa.
From this strategic spot at the very tip of Kullaberg, the military had a clear view across the Kattegat and the approach to the Øresund. Through the large panoramic windows, the staff could monitor shipping traffic. Using powerful camera equipment, they photographed and recorded vessels passing through the strait, including ships from the Eastern Bloc.
The operation was shrouded in military secrecy. During the Cold War, defence facilities were shielded from view, and it was forbidden to photograph or depict certain military sites. Even so, Falknästet ended up on a ceramic plate that Höganäs Keramik released with Kullen Lighthouse as its motif. The plate also showed the military lookout post, which at the time was classified. A seemingly innocent souvenir had thus come to depict a part of Sweden’s coastal defences.
Once the military operation came to an end, the building was given an entirely new purpose. At first, Falknästet was used as an exclusive conference room and was kept almost secret for many years. Today it is unique overnight accommodation with panoramic sea views, where the modest military exterior hides a completely different world inside.
Falknästet is one of the most unusual places to stay in Sweden and can be booked for overnight stays all year round. Please note that the Swedish Maritime Administration is not responsible for Falknästet; it is run by a private operator.
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