- Address: Radiostationen, Radiovägen 72, 432 98 Rolfstorp, Sweden
- Year of foundation: 1925
- Phone: +46 340 67 41 90
In Sweden, there is a unique technical attraction - the ultra-long-wave Telegraph radio station Grimeton (Radiostationen i Grimeton). It was built in 1922-1924 and today is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
general information
An attraction is also called a radio station in Warberg because of the city in which it is located. The radio station is a real masterpiece of engineering art created in the days of early transatlantic wireless communication.
The official opening of the Grimeton radio station took place in 1925, the ceremony was conducted by Swedish King Gustav Fifth. On the same day, the monarch sent the first telegram to US President Calvin Coolidge. The message reported on the deepening of commercial and cultural relations between countries.
The building was built by the American engineer Ernst Alexander. Its main goal was to provide a connection between Sweden and the United States, which operated at Radio Central Station on Long Island. The developer used wires as radiating elements. He hung them on 6 tower-matches. Designing the latter involved Henrik Kreuger.
The Grimeton radio station was used until 1950. It was of enormous importance during the Second World War. Especially important was the communication with the US, when the Nazis cut all the cable lines of the Atlantic. The design was also useful for communication with submarines.
Description of sight
The main features of the radio are as follows:
- The tower-masts are made of steel, have a height of 127 m and are at a distance of 380 m from each other. On the constructions there are special crossbars, the swing of which reaches 46 m. At the beginning of the 20th century, these devices were the longest structures in all of Sweden. The total length of the antenna canopy is 2.2 km.
- The main building of the radio station Grimeton was designed by an architect named Karl Okerbland. The building was built in neoclassical style. There are also premises for personnel and scientific developments on the territory.
- The original equipment of the radio station came down to us from the day of its foundation. For example, a transmitter for electric machines is still used here, which is based on the Alexanderson generator. It has a power of 220 kW, operates at a frequency of 17.2 kHz and is the only operating device of this type. In 1968, the radio station installed the second transmitter, which operates from a lamp at a frequency of 40.4 kHz. It was used for the interests of the country's navy. The callsign of the new device is SRC, and the old one is SAQ. Simultaneously, they can not be used, because they depend on one antenna.
Trips to the radio station Grimeton
Visit the museum complex is possible only in the summer. At this time, the institution also opened a temporary exhibition, where exhibits of communication relating to the past, the present and the future are presented. During the tour, tourists will also see:
- the old Gulf gas station;
- car brand Chevrolet, released in 1931.
On certain days for testing and on holidays (on the day of Alexanderson, on Christmas Eve, etc.) on the radio station Grimeton include the first transmitter. It can send short messages using Morse code. Today, TV channels and FM radio are broadcast here.
After the excursion, guests can visit the local restaurant, have a drink and have a bite with fresh pastries. There is a tourist assistance center and a gift shop selling original figurines, magnets and postcards.
How to get there?
From Stockholm to the city of Varberg, you can reach by car on the road E4 and E26 or fly by plane. From the village to the Grimeton station there are buses 651 and 661. The journey takes about 60 minutes. By car you will reach the highway No. 153 and Trädlyckevägen. The distance is 12 km.