Lighthouses of Germany: Hamburg and the Elbe

Germany's Elbe estuary leads from the North Sea to the port of Hamburg. The estuary has been improved for the navigation of large vessels, and it's marked by more than 70 lighthouses in all: the largest number of lighthouses on any inland waterway in the world. This page lists those lighthouses on the Elbe above Brunsbüttel, where the waterway narrows from the broader waters of the Elbemündung (mouth of the Elbe). Even with this restriction, there are more than 50 lighthouses in the list. Interest in lighthouses is strong in Germany, and most of the towers are in good condition. A federal law provides blanket protection to historic lighthouses. There is concern, however, that many of the lights may be deactivated in the coming years as navigators depend less and less on them. In German, a lighthouse is a Leuchtturm ("light tower"), plural Leuchttürme. The front light of a range is the Unterfeuer and the rear light is the Oberfeuer. There are many modern range lighthouses, and most of these towers are crowned by a topmark: a large, distinctive structure that serves to mark the range clearly in the daytime. Some topmarks are conical, others are funnel-shaped, and some consist of one or more gallery-like rings around the tower. Lighthouses in Germany are operated by the regional harbor authority, called the WSA (Wasser- und Schiffahrtsamt). All the lights on this page are in the jurisdiction of the Hamburg WSA. The WSA's are linked to and regulated by a federal agency, the Wasser- und Schifffahrtsamtverwaltung des Bundes (WSV). Germany is a federal republic with 16 member states called Bundesländer. Hamburg is one of the 16 states. Downstream, lighthouses on the south bank of the Elbe are in the state of Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) while those on the north bank are in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. ARLHS numbers are from the ARLHS World List of Lights. Admiralty numbers are from volume B of the Admiralty List of Lights & Fog Signals. U.S. NGA List numbers are from NGA Publication 114. General Sources Leuchtturm-Atlas A large site with excellent photos and information on nearly all German lighthouses, maintained by Frank and Birgit Toussaints. Online List of Lights - The Elbe Photos of Elbe estuary lights posted by Alexander Trabas. Leuchttürme.net - Deutschland Outstanding photos by Malte Werning. Dirk's Leuchtturmhomepage A large collection of photos and much additional information. Deutsche Leuchtfeuer This site by Manfred Schüler has historical information on many of the lighthouses. Leuchtturmseiten von Anke und Jens - Germany - River Elbe This site has photos and information on many of the lights. Majáky - Labe 2008 photos posted by Anna Krákorova. Deutsche Leuchttürme/Feuerschiffe Photos posted by Klause Huelse. Huelse also has a large collection of historic postcard views. Leuchtturmgalerie Photos and brief but informative accounts by Jürgen Linge. Schifffahrtszeichen Lighthouse information from WSA Hamburg. Interessengemeinschaft Seezeichen e.V. Germany's national lighthouse preservation organization. Feuerschiffe in Deutschland An outstanding site on German lightships, maintained by Iris Klempau.

Mielstack Unterfeuer WSA Hamburg photo

Hamburg Lighthouses

Southern Hamburg Lighthouses
* Bunthäuser Spitze

1914. Inactive since 1977. 7 m (23 ft) hexagonal pyramidal wood tower with lantern and gallery; an external stairway provides access to the gallery. Tower painted green, lantern red, gallery railing white. Werning has a good photo, Krákorova has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. The Bunthäuser Spitze is a narrow point of land dividing the Norderelbe and Süderelbe, the northern and southern branches of the Elbe, on the southeast side of Hamburg. The lighthouse marked this point for boats bound downstream. The tower now houses equipment used for monitoring the flow rate of the river. The building was restored in 1989 as part of the celebration of the 800th anniversary of Hamburg harbor; it has recently been repainted. Located near the point, beyond the end of the Moorwerder Hauptdeich; accessible by a short walk from the end of the road. Owner/site manager: WSA Hamburg(?). ARLHS FED-059.

Ellerholzhafen

1902. Active (?); focal plane 19 m (62 ft); continuous red light. Approx. 22 m (72 ft) octagonal brick tower with lantern and gallery, extended by a octagonal "dunce cap" topped by a rotating radar antenna. Krákorova has a photo, Schüler has an older postcard view of the lighthouse with its original lantern, and Google has a satellite view. Leuchtturm-Atlas describes this lighthouse as active, but Schüler implies that it has been inactive since the radar tower was added in 1969. Located at the end of the broad quay separating the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Hafen to the north from the Ellerholzhafen to the south, in the middle of Hamburg harbor. Site status unknown. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-295.

Ellerholz Unterfeuer 2001. Active; focal plane 25 m (82 ft); red light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. Approx. 22 m (72 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands. Trabas has a closeup by Wolfgang Warncke, Google has a satellite view of both Ellerholz lights. The range guides vessels bound upstream on the Süderelbe through Hamburg harbor. Located on the south side of the Süderelbe near the Kattdykdamm. Site status unknown. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-293; Admiralty B1594.7. Ellerholz Oberfeuer 2001. Active; focal plane 30 m (98 ft); red light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. Approx. 27 m (89 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands. Malte Werning's photo is at right, Trabas has a closeup by Wolfgang Warncke, and Google has a satellite view of both lights. Located on the south side of the Süderelbe near the Kattdykdamm, 110 m (360 ft) south of the front light. Site status unknown. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-294; Admiralty B1594.71. Altenwerder Unterfeuer 2001?. Active; focal plane 25 m (82 ft); red light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. Approx. 22 m (72 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands. Trabas has a closeup by Wolfgang Warncke, and Google has a satellite view. Located south of the Altenwerder Container Terminal, about 300 m (1000 ft) west of the Ellerholz range lights. Site status unknown. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-278; Admiralty B1594.65.

Ellerholz Oberfeuer photo copyright Malte Werning; used by permission

Altenwerder Oberfeuer

2001?. Active; focal plane 31 m (102 ft); red light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. Approx. 27 m (89 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands. Trabas has a closeup by Wolfgang Warncke, and Google has a satellite view. Located south of the Altenwerder Container Terminal, 165 m (540 ft) south of the front light. Site status unknown. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-279; Admiralty B1594.651.

* Bubendey-Ufer Oberfeuer

Date unknown. Active; focal plane 38 m (125 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the front light. Approx. 35 m (115 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Trabas has a closeup by Wolfgang Warncke, and Google has a satellite view. Ufer is the German word for a riverbank. This is the rear light of an upstream (eastbound) range guiding ships into Hamburg harbor. The front light is on a 20 m (66 ft) post about 1 km west northwest. Located on the south bank of the Norderelbe on the west side of the entrance to the Parkhafen, near a petroleum tank complex. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-287; Admiralty B1581.71.

* Estemündung

1967. Inactive since 1995. 6 m (20 ft) round white concrete tower with semicircular lantern and gallery, mounted on a concrete pier. Werning has a page for the lighthouse, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse was replaced with a modern post light (focal plane 10 m (33 ft), white, red or green light depending on direction, occulting once every 6 s). The Este is a creek that enters the south side of the Elbe at Cranz, just below Hamburg. Located on the pier at the east side of the entrance to the Este. Site open, tower closed. Owner/site manager: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-349; Admiralty B1569.

Hamburg Lightships

*** Trinity House Lightship 13

1952. Decommissioned 1989. 42 m (138 ft) 2-masted steel lightship, painted red; light tower with lantern and Fresnel lens mounted amidships. Klempau also has a page for the vessel, Krákorova has 2008 photos, and Google has a satellite view. Built by Philips & Sons, Dartmouth, England, the ship served many stations off the English coast. In 1991 the ship was sold to the German captain Wulf Hoffmann and sailed to Hamburg; since 1993 it has served as a floating restaurant, pub, and hotel in the city harbor in Hamburg. Located on the Vorsetzen, the waterfront in downtown Hamburg. Site open, ship open daily. Owner/site manager: Das Feuerschiff. ARLHS FED-144.

* Lightship Elbe 3 1888. Decommissioned 1977. 45.1 m (148 ft) lightship, originally 3-masted but now 2-masted. Hull painted red, superstructure white. Hans-Jürgen Becker's photo is at right, Klempau also has a page for the ship, Krákorova has 2008 photos, and Google has a satellite view. Built by Johann Lange in Vegesack and launched as the Weser, the ship served on that station until World War II. It was overhauled in 1936, and its current diesel engines were installed at that time. After World War II the ship served ten years as the Bremen, ten more as the Weser, and then, beginning in 1966, as the Elbe 3. Since 1979 the ship has been based in Hamburg as a museum and excursion ship. It is believed to be the world's oldest operational lightship. Berthed at the Museumshafen Övelgönne on the north bank of the Elbe at Neumühlen, just west of the center of Hamburg. Site open; ship open for tours on Sunday afternoons except when it is on tour elsewhere; check locally for current information. Owner/site manager: Förderkreis Elbe3. ARLHS FED-275.

Feuerschiff Elbe 3, September 2008 Creative Commons photo by Hans-Jürgen Becker

Western Hamburg Lighthouses
* Holtenau Süd (lantern)

1895. Cast iron lantern and gallery from the Holtenau Süd lighthouse at the north entrance to the Nord-Ostsee Kanal in Holtenau, near Kiel. Krákorova has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. The lantern was replaced in 1998 by a larger lantern capable of carrying a radar antenna. The original lantern is on display outside the International Maritime Museum on the Elbchaussee west of downtown Hamburg. Site open, tower closed. Owner/site manager: Internationales Maritimes Museum Hamburg.

* Blankenese Oberfeuer

1984. Active; focal plane 84 m (276 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. 40 m (131 ft) round cylindrical tower with a funnel-shaped topmark, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Trabas has a closeup photo by Manfred Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse is scheduled for replacement in 2008-09, and the new lighthouse is to be Germany's tallest at 70 m (230 ft). Located atop a hill in Hirsch Park, on the north bank of the Elbe in the Blankenese neighborhood just west of Hamburg, 1350 m (4430 ft) east of the front light. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-040; Admiralty B1568.71.

* Blankenese Unterfeuer 1984. Active; focal plane 41 m (135 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 42 m (138 ft) round cylindrical tower with a funnel-shaped topmark, painted with red and white horizontal bands. The tower's base is surrounded by two circular observation platforms. Trabas has a closeup photo by Wolfgang Warncke, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse is scheduled for replacement in 2008-09. Located on a concrete pier just off the north bank of the Elbe in the Blankenese neighborhood just west of Hamburg; accessible by walking the pier. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-039; Admiralty B1568.7. * Wittenbergen Unterfeuer 1900. Active; focal plane 30 m (98 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 30 m (98 ft) hexagonal skeletal tower with a large circular lantern and gallery, enclosed 2-story watch room, and central cylinder. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands, lantern white with a black roof, gallery railing black. A WSA photo is at right, Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup photo by Wolfgang Warncke, Schüler has the history of the station, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. This is the front light of a downstream (westbound) range marking the channel for ships leaving Hamburg. The initial placement of the tower was incorrect, so it was moved 8 m (26 ft) south in 1905. The lighthouse was restored and modernized in 1979. Located on the north bank of the Elbe at Wittenbergen; Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-038; Admiralty B1568. * Tinsdal (Wittenbergen) Oberfeuer 1900. Active; focal plane 56 m (183 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the front light. 42 m (137 ft) hexagonal skeletal tower with a large circular lantern and gallery, enclosed 2-story watch room, and central cylinder. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands, lantern white with a black roof, gallery railing black. Trabas has a closeup photo by Wolfgang Warncke, Schüler has historical information, and Google has a satellite view. Sibling of the Grünendeich Oberfeuer (see below). The light was named for the nearby Tinsdal gunpowder factory. Located off the Tinsdalerweg near Wittenbergen, west of Hamburg, 800 m (1/2 mi) west of the front light. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-237; Admiralty B1568.1.

Wittenbergen Unterfeuer; WSA Hamburg photo

Niedersachsen (Elbe South Side) Lighthouses

Lühe Area Lighthouses

* Somfletherwisch (Mielstack Oberfeuer)

1907. Active; focal plane 32 m (105 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the front light. 35 m (115 ft) hexagonal skeletal tower with a large circular lantern and gallery, enclosed 2-story watch room, and central cylinder. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands, lantern white with a black roof, gallery railing black. Trabas has an excellent photo by Schüler, Werning has a good photo, and Google has a satellite view. Sibling of the Grünendeich Oberfeuer (see below). This is an upstream range. Located at Wisch, 750 m (1/2 mi) southeast of the front light and about 2 km (1.2 mi) southeast of Lühe on the south bank of the Elbe. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-224; Admiralty B1534.1.

* Mielstack Unterfeuer

1907. Active; focal plane 13 m (42 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 16 m (52 ft) square tower with round lantern and gallery rising from one corner of a 1-story keeper's house. Lighthouse painted white with brown trim and a brown tile roof; lantern's conical roof is black. A photo is at the top of this page, Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup by Schüler, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. This very attractive lighthouse is located on the main riverbank street in the Mielstack neighborhood of Lühe, 600 m (0.4 mi) southeast of the mouth of the Lühe River. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-153; Admiralty B1534.

* Lühe Unterfeuer (1) 1900. Inactive since 1970. Approx. 12 m (40 ft) square tower rising from one corner of 1-story keeper's house. Lantern removed. Building painted white with red-brown trim. Werning has an excellent photo, and Huelse has a historic postcard view of this lighthouse. Sibling of the Mielstack lighthouse (previous entry). The lighthouse was sold and is occupied as a private residence. Located in Lühe, just west of the mouth of the Lühe River. Site open, tower closed. Owner/site manager: private. ARLHS FED-306. * Lühe Unterfeuer (2) 1970 (station established 1900). Active; focal plane 16 m (52 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 12 m (40 ft) round cylindrical tower with large round lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. The Lühe range is a downstream (westbound) range. Located on the south bank of the Elbe very close to the west side of the mouth of the Lühe River. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-149; Admiralty B1540. * Grünendeich (Lühe Oberfeuer) 1900 (J. H. Hartje). Active; focal plane 35.5 m (117 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. 39 m (129 ft) hexagonal skeletal tower with a large circular lantern and gallery, enclosed 2-story watch room, and central cylinder, mounted on a 1-story hexagonal brick base. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands, lantern white with a black roof, gallery railing black. A WSA photo is at right, Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a photo by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse was restored in 1994. Located on the Kirchenstieg near the Minneweg in Grünendeich, 1546 m (1 mi) west of the front light. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-097; Admiralty B1540.1. Juelssand (2) 1896 (station established 1873). Active; focal plane 14 m (46 ft); directional light, white, red, or green light, depending on direction, occulting once every 6 s. 16 m (52 ft) square cylindrical brick tower with lantern and gallery rising at one corner of a 1-story brick keeper's house. Building painted white; lantern roof is black. Trabas has a nice photo by Wolfgang Warncke, Schüler has the history of the station, and Google has a satellite view. This light guides downstream (westbound) traffic. Juelssand is a marshy island off the north bank of the Elbe. Located on the north side of the Elbe at a bend in the river, about 8 km (5 mi) north northwest of Lühe. There does not appear to be any land access to this location. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-120; Admiralty B1528.

Grünendeich Oberfeuer WSA Hamburg photo

Stade Area Lighthouses

* Twielenfleth (1)

1893. Inactive since 1984. 7 m (23 ft) square cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery mounted on a short, square skeletal tower. Lighthouse painted white with black trim; skeletal section and lantern roof are black. Werning has a good photo and Huelse has a historic postcard view of this lighthouse, which is a rare survivor of its class. Located behind the dike on the south bank of the Elbe at Twielenfleth, about 16 km (9 mi) east of Stade. Site open, tower closed. Owner/site manager: unknown. ARLHS FED-243.

* Twielenfleth (2)

1984 (station established 1893). Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); directional light, white, red, or green light, depending on direction, occulting once every 6 s. 15 m (49 ft) round cylindrical tower with flared top, lantern and gallery, painted with black and white horizontal bands. Werning has a fine photo, Trabas has a closeup by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. This light guides upstream (eastbound) traffic. Located in front of the dike on the south bank of the Elbe at Twielenfleth, only a few steps from the older light. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-242; Admiralty B1532.

Stadersand Oberfeuer (2)

1958 (station established 1897). Active; focal plane 40 m (131 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the front light. 38 m (125 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Werning has a good photo, Trabas also has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. This range guides upstream (eastbound) traffic. Located in a nuclear power generating station at Stadersand on the southwest bank of the Elbe about 10 km (6 mi) northeast of Stade. Site and tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-228; Admiralty B1522.1.

* Stadersand Unterfeuer (2)

1958 (station established 1897). Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 22 m (72 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a concrete base, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. Huelse has a historic postcard view of the original lighthouse. Located at the edge of the river 785 m (1/2 mi) north of the rear light. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-227; Admiralty B1522.

* Bützflethersand Unterfeuer

1970. Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 20 m (66 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and funnel-shaped topmark, mounted on a concrete base, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a photo by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. This range guides downstream (westbound) traffic. The range lights replaced a lighthouse seen in Huelse's historic postcard view. Located at the end of a short groin projecting from the southwest bank of the Elbe at Stadersand, about 400 m (1/4 mi) north of the Stadersand Unterfeuer. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-062; Admiralty B1524.

* Bützflethersand Oberfeuer

1970. Active; focal plane 33 m (108 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light; also a directional light, white, red, or green flash every 6 s. 31 m (102 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and funnel-shaped topmark, mounted on a concrete base, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Werning has an excellent photo, and Google has a satellite view. The directional light guides upstream (eastbound) traffic. Located beside the riverside highway (Bützflether Industriestraße) 610 m (670 ft) north of the front light, near a large industrial complex. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-063; Admiralty B1524.1.

Krautsand Area Lighthouses

* Ruthensand Oberfeuer

1955. Active; focal plane 30 m (98 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. 30 m (98 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Trabas has a photo, and Google has a satellite view. This is an upsteam (eastbound) range. Located in a pasture on the south bank of the Elbe about 2.5 km 1.5 mi) east of Drochtersen. Site and tower closed, but the lighthouse is easily seen from the road. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-203; Admiralty B1474.1.

* Ruthensand Unterfeuer 1955. Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light; also a directional light, white, red, or green, occulting once every 6 s. 15 m (49 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and a white horizontal band. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup, and Google has a satellite view. Located 1000 m (0.6 mi) north of the rear light, on the south bank of the Elbe at Ruthenstrom east of Drochtersen. Site and tower closed, but the lighthouse is easily seen from the road. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-202; Admiralty B1474. * Krautsand Unterfeuer (2) 1978 (station established 1901). Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 20 m (66 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Werning has a great photo, Trabas has a closeup by Klaus Kern, and Google has a satellite view. This is the front light of a downstream (westbound) range. The original lighthouse, a hexagonal stone tower seen in Huelse's postcard view, was demolished in 1978 to make way for strengthening the dike along the riverbank. Located just behind the dike on the southwest bank of the Elbe at Krautsand. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-132; Admiralty B1482. * Krautsand Oberfeuer 1908. Active; focal plane 35 m (115 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the front light. 36 m (118 ft) hexagonal skeletal tower with a large circular lantern and gallery, enclosed 2-story watch room, and central cylinder, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Adjoining 1-1/2 story keeper's house. Werning's photo is at right. Trabas also has an excellent photo by Schüler of this historic lighthouse, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse, a sibling of the Grünendeich Oberfeuer, was extensively restored in 1988, and the original Fresnel lens was replaced with a modern range optic. Located 920 m (0.57 mi) northwest of the front light at Krautsand. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-133; Admiralty B1482.1.

Krautsand Oberfeuer photo copyright Malte Werning; used by permission

Schleswig-Holstein (Elbe North Side) Lighthouses

Wedel Lighthouse
* Pagensand Nord (1)

1933. Inactive since 1992. 12 m (40 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, painted red. Leuchtturm-Atlas has a page for the lighthouse, and Google has a satellite view. This is one of three identical towers built at Pagensand during 1932-34. The lighthouse was relocated to the WSA Hamburg buoy depot in Wedel, a town on the north side of the Elbe about 16 km (10 mi) west of downtown Hamburg. Located on Deichstraße on the Wedel waterfront. Site open, tower closed.

Pagensand and Kollmar Area Lighthouses
Note: Pagensand is a 6 km (4 mi) long island in the Elbe south of Kollmar. Most of the island is artificial, built with dredge spoil from the river in the early 20th century. Today much of the island is set aside as an ecological reserve.
Pagensand Süd

1934. Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); white flash every 6 s. 12 m (40 ft) round cylindrical steel(?) tower with lantern and gallery, mounted on a hexagonal stone base. Lighthouse painted red. E.J. Herrmann has a fine closeup, Trabas has a distant view, and Google has a satellite view. This lighthouse marks the southern tip of the island. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-186; Admiralty B1506.

Pagensand Mitte Oberfeuer (2)

1992 (station established 1893). Active; focal plane 32 m (105 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. Approx. 30 m (98 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. E.J. Herrmann has a photo, Trabas has a distant view of the range, and Google has a satellite view. This range guides upstream (eastbound) traffic as it approaches the island. Located in the middle of Pagensand. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-183; Admiralty B1498.1.

Pagensand Mitte (2) Unterfeuer (2)

1992 (station established 1893). Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 20.5 m (67 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and two galleries, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Trabas has a distant view, and Google has a satellite view. Huelse has a historic postcard view of the original lighthouse. Located on the west bank of Pagensand. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-181; Admiralty B1498.

Pagensand Mitte (1)

1933. Inactive since 1992. 12 m (40 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery mounted on a hexagonal stone base. Lighthouse painted red with one white horizontal band. The light was deactivated in 1992, but the tower functions as a daybeacon and is floodlit at night. A distant photo is available, and Google has a satellite view. Located on a shoal northwest of its replacement, the Pagensand Mitte Unterfeuer (previous entry). Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-185.

Pagensand Nord Unterfeuer 1986. Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 20 m (66 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and two galleries, painted red with a white horizontal band. Trabas has an excellent closeup photo, and Google has a satellite view. This light and the Kollmar Oberfeuer form a downstream (westbound) range guiding ships around the west side of the island. Located on an artificial islet in the river off the northern end of the island. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-182; Admiralty B1501. Pagensand Nord (Leitfeuer) (2) 1992 (station established 1932). Active; focal plane 11 m (36 ft); white flash every 6 s; also a directional light, white, red, or green, occulting once every 6 s. 12 m (40 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery mounted on a hexagonal stone base. Lighthouse painted red. A WSA photo is at right, Trabas has a photo by Ronald Wöhrn, and Google has a satellite view. This light is a near-copy of the original lighthouse, which was relocated to the WSA Hamburg buoy depot in Wedel (see above). Located on a stony artificial islet in the river northwest of the northern tip of the island. Accessible only by boat. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-180; Admiralty B1500. * Kollmar (Pagensand Nord) Oberfeuer 1986. Active; focal plane 40 m (131 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the front light. 40 m (131 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern and gallery, painted red with a white horizontal band. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup, and Google has a satellite view. Located beside the riverside highway on the north bank of the Elbe at Kollmar, 1330 m (0.8 mi) north of the front light. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-184; Admiralty B1501.1. * Steindeich (Leuchtturm Elbe) Early 1960s. Inactive since 1994. 33 m (108 ft) round cylindrical tower with lantern, equipment room, and double gallery, rising from the center of an octagonal 1-story brick control building. Tower painted with narrow red and white horizontal bands. Werning has a good photo, and Google has a satellite view. This tower carries a radar antenna that formerly played a key role in monitoring ship traffic on the Elbe. It was deactivated when the advent of satellite navigation made it unnecessary. The lighthouse was sold into private hands. Located behind the dike on the northwest bank of the Elbe at Steindeich, about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) west of Kollmar. Owner/site manager: Leuchtturm Elbe. ARLHS FED-229; Admiralty B1490.

Pagensand Nord Leitfeuer WSA Hamburg photo

Glückstadt Area Lighthouses
Bielenberg

1907. Inactive since 1982. Approx. 8 m (26 ft) square tower rising from one corner of 1-story keeper's house. Lantern removed. Building painted white with gray trim. Werning has a good photo, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse has been refurbished as a private residence. Located on the northeast bank of the Elbe at Bielenberg, roughly opposite the Ruthensand lighthouses. Site status unknown. Owner/site manager: private. ARLHS FED-283.

Rhinplatte Süd

Date unknown (modern). Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); flash every 6 s, white or red depending on direction. Approx. 42 m (140 ft) round cylindrical tower topped by communications equipment; a wide gallery at the 15 m (50 ft) level carries a radar antenna and the navigation light. Tower painted white. Trabas also has a photo, and Google has a good satellite view. Rhinplatte is a long, narrow island on the northeastern side of the Elbe just off Glückstadt. Located in the river just off the southern tip of the island. Accessible only by boat, but the lighthouse can be viewed from Bielenberg or from the other side of the river at Krautsand. Site and tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. Admiralty B1489.

* Glückstadt Nordmole (3) 1995 (station established 1846). Active; focal plane 9 m (30 ft); white, red, or green light, depending on direction, occulting once every 6 s. 9 m (30 ft) round cylindrical tower with round lantern and gallery, mounted on a square stone and concrete base. Entire lighthouse painted white. Werning has a photo, Trabas has a good closeup photo, and Google has a satellite view. The original lighthouse, built by Denmark and seen in Huelse's postcard view, was replaced in 1914 with a square skeletal tower seen in a second postcard view. The modern light stands on the stone base of the 1914 light, and its lantern was designed as a replica of the 1914 lantern. Located at the northern entrance to Glückstadt harbor, on the northeast side of the Elbe. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-090; Admiralty B1476. * Glückstadt Oberfeuer 1937. Active; focal plane 30 m (98 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the front light. 33 m (108 ft) tapered round concrete tower with triangular lantern and gallery. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands, lantern painted white with a black roof. Werning has a photo, Trabas has a great photo by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. This is the rear light of an upstream (eastbound) range leading ships to Glückstadt. The lighthouse was refurbished and modernized in 1995. Located on the Neuendeich road at Jahnstraße in Glückstadt. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-091; Admiralty B1456.1. * Glückstadt Unterfeuer 1937. Active; focal plane 15 m (49 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the rear light; also a directional light, white, red, or green, occulting once every 6 s. 17 m (56 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with triangular lantern and gallery. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands, lantern painted white with a black roof. A photo appears at right, Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a photo by Schüler, and the shadow of the tower is seen in a Google satellite view. The directional light leads ferries eastward across the river from Wischhafen. Located on the northeast bank of the Elbe 1250 m (0.78 mi) northwest of the rear light. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-089; Admiralty B1456 (range light) and B1457 (directional light). * Stör Unterfeuer Date unknown. Active; focal plane 7 m (23 ft); white flash every 3 s, synchronized with the rear light. 7 m (23 ft) round brick tower. The lantern has been removed and the light is now shone through a small opening in the middle of a triangular daymarker. Trabas has a closeup, and Google has a satellite view. Located at the mouth of the Stör River about 4 km (2.5 mi) north of Glückstadt. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-348; Admiralty B1464.

Glückstadt Unterfeuer WSA Hamburg photo

Wewelsfleth Area Lighthouses

* Hollerwettern (2) Unterfeuer

1982 (station established 1911). Active; focal plane 21 m (69 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 22 m (72 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern, a lower gallery, and two upper galleries forming a drum-shaped topmark. Lighthouse painted red with one white horizontal band. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup photo by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the northeast bank of the Elbe near Hollerwettern, about 5 km (3 mi) southeast of Wewelsfleth. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-350; Admiralty B1458.

* Hollerwettern (1) Unterfeuer 1911. Inactive since 1982. 18 m (60 ft) square tower with large lantern and gallery rising from a front corner of a 2-story keeper's house. Tower painted red, lantern white; keeper's house painted gray. This light was the front light of a downstream (westbound) range; the rear light was the original Brokdorf Oberfeuer, now demolished. Changes in the river channel made the old range obsolete. Werning's photo is at right, Schüler has the history of the station, Huelse has a historic postcard view, and Google has a satellite view. The lighthouse is in use as a private residence. Located in the village of Hollerwettern on the northeast side of the Elbe, about 4 km (2.5 mi) southeast of Wewelsfleth. Site open, tower closed. Ownesr/site manager: private. ARLHS FED-109. Osterende Oberfeuer 1984. Active; focal plane 36 m (118 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. 38 m (125 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery forming a funnel-shaped topmark. Lighthouse painted with black and white horizontal bands, instead of the usual red and white, to distinguish it from the nearby Brokdorf Oberfeuer. Werning has a photo, Trabas has a closeup, and Google has a satellite view. The Osterende range is an upsteam (eastbound) range and helps guide ships approaching a major bend in the river. Located in a field east of the Brokdorf nuclear power plant. Site status unknown. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-345; Admiralty B1457.51. Brokdorf (3) (Hollernwetter Oberfeuer) 1982 (station established 1889). Active; focal plane 44 m (144 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the front light. 22 m (72 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and two upper galleries forming a drum-shaped topmark. Lighthouse painted with red and white horizontal bands. Werning has a fine photo, Trabas has a good photo, and Google has a satellite view. Schüler has the history of the station and a photo of the second lighthouse (1911), which was a hexagonal skeletal of the Grünendeich class. Huelse also has a postcard view of the 1911 lighthouse, which was demolished in 1982. Located in the midst of the Brokdorf nuclear power plant, 1560 m (1 mi) north of the front light. Site and tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. Admiralty B1460.

1911 Leuchtturm Hollerwettern (also Brokdorf Oberfeuer in left distance) photo copyright Malte Werning; used by permission

* Osterende Unterfeuer

1984. Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); white light 2 s on, 2 s off, synchronized with the rear light. 21 m (69 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery forming a funnel-shaped topmark. Lighthouse painted with black and white horizontal bands to match the markings of the Oberfeuer. Werning has a good closeup, Trabas has a good photo by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. Located on the northeast bank of the Elbe in front of the Brokdorf nuclear power plant, 1025 m (0.6 mi) south of the rear light. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-346; Admiralty B1457.5.

St. Margarethen Area Lighthouses
* Scheelenkuhlen (3) Oberfeuer

1976 (station established 1880). Active; focal plane 44 m (144 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the front light. 47 m (154 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a distant view by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. This is the rear light of an upstream (eastbound) range. The wooden tower built here in 1880 was replaced with a 10 m (33 ft) brick tower in 1887; unfortunately, that tower was demolished in 1976 when its directional light was replaced with the present range lights. Located north of the B431 highway about 2.5 km (1.5 mi) southeast of St. Margarethen. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-321; Admiralty B1454.1.

* Scheelenkuhlen Unterfeuer

1976 (station established 1897). Active; focal plane 20 m (66 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the rear lights. 23 m (75 ft) round cylindrical fiberglass tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. This tower carries the front range lights for both the upstream Scheelenkuhlen and downstream St. Margarthen ranges. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup by Schüler, and Google has a satellite view. Huelse has a historic postcard view of the 1897 lighthouse. Located beside the B431 riverside highway on the north bank of the Elbe 1810 m (1.1 mi) west of the rear light and about 1.5 km (1 mi) south of St. Margarethen. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-230; Admiralty B1454.

* St. Margarethen Oberfeuer

1983. Active; focal plane 36 m (118 ft); white light 4 s on, 4 s off, synchronized with the front light. 37 m (121 ft) round cylindrical concrete tower with lantern and gallery, painted with red and white horizontal bands. Werning has a good photo, Trabas has a closeup photo, and Google has a satellite view. This is the rear light of a downstream (westbound) range; the front light is carried on the Scheelenkuhlen Unterfeuer. Located 1075 m (0.6 mi) northwest of the front light and about 1 km (0.6 mi) west of St. Margarethen. Site open, tower closed. Operator: WSA Hamburg. ARLHS FED-347; Admiralty B1453.9.

Information available on lost lighthouses:

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Posted March 30, 2005. Checked and revised February 16, 2009. Lighthouses: 52; lightships: 2. Site copyright 2009 Russ Rowlett and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.