Hiddensee Island Lighthouse
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Dornbusch Lighthouse, located on the northern part of Germany's Hiddensee Island in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, stands as a prominent maritime beacon and tourist attraction. Built between 1887 and 1888 of brick construction, the lighthouse is situated on the 72-meter-high Schluckswiek hill, part of the island's highland area. It reaches a height of approximately 27.5 meters with an observation gallery at 20 meters, providing visitors with sweeping views over the island, the Bodden lagoon landscape, and the Baltic Sea, extending to the Danish island of Møen on clear days. The lighthouse was reinforced with a concrete shell during renovations from 1927 to 1929 to enhance its durability. Its light characteristic features flashing white and red sectors visible up to 45 kilometers, serving as an important navigation aid for coastal shipping. Since 1994, the lighthouse has been open to the public with a visitor limit to preserve the experience and safety, and it requires visitors to be at least six years old. The last lighthouse keeper in unified Germany served here until 1998, marking the site's historical significance. The lighthouse is also recognized as a cultural monument and has been commemorated on German postage stamps. Its maintenance is overseen by the Waterway and Shipping Office of the Baltic Sea region.
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Tip: Visitors should wear sturdy footwear for the climb of 102 steps and plan their visit during good weather, ideally avoiding days with wind speeds above Force 6 when the lighthouse closes for safety. Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons due to the 15-person visitor limit at the top. The best time to visit is between April and October, with limited opening hours in winter months. A stop at the nearby Inselblick viewpoint on the way offers excellent photo opportunities and views. Children under six are not permitted for safety reasons.
Interesting facts
- •The lighthouse's light can be seen up to 45 kilometers away, aiding maritime navigation in the Baltic Sea.
- •It was featured on a German postage stamp first issued in 1975 and again in 2009, highlighting its cultural significance.
- •The lighthouse has 102 steps and limits visitors to 15 at a time for safety and comfort.
- •Walter Hoerenz was the last lighthouse keeper in unified Germany, serving until 1998 at Dornbusch.
- •The lighthouse is built on a 72-meter high hill called Schluckswiek, providing a focal height of about 95 meters above sea level.
History
Dornbusch Lighthouse was constructed between 1887 and 1888 and officially began operation on November 19, 1888.
Early deterioration of the exterior brickwork led to a significant renovation from 1927 to 1929, during which the tower was reinforced with a concrete shell.
The lighthouse served as a vital navigational aid along the Baltic Sea coast throughout the 20th century.
It remained staffed until 1998, when the last lighthouse keeper in unified Germany retired.
The lighthouse has been protected as a cultural monument and continues to be maintained by the Waterway and Shipping Office.
Recent renovations in 2023 ensured the light's continued operation after a temporary shutdown for repairs.
Place Guide
Observation Gallery
Located 20 meters above ground, this platform offers panoramic views of Hiddensee Island, the surrounding Bodden lagoon, and the Baltic Sea, extending to the Danish island of Møen on clear days. Visitors can appreciate the island’s natural beauty and maritime landscape from this vantage point.
Lighthouse Structure1887-1888
The lighthouse is a brick tower reinforced with a concrete shell added during renovations from 1927 to 1929. It stands approximately 27.5 meters tall and rests on a twelve-sided stone foundation. Its design combines historic architecture with functional maritime engineering.
Exhibition on Lighthouse Technology and History
A permanent exhibition inside the lighthouse showcases the technical aspects and historical development of the Dornbusch Lighthouse, including its lighting apparatus and maritime role.
Contact
Phone: 038300 50456
