Germany’s oldest lighthouse · 1330 · 31 metres
Germany’s oldest lighthouse
The old lighthouse in Travemünde is the oldest lighthouse in Germany. Its history reaches back to the 14th century: from the first documentary mention in 1330 through the rebuilding of 1539 to the brick tower of 1827, which is a maritime museum today.
Where is Germany’s oldest lighthouse?
A lighthouse – Latin lucerna – in Travemünde is first documented in 1330. That makes it the oldest lighthouse in Germany. Its history as a sea mark at the mouth of the Trave thus reaches back to the 14th century.
Destruction and rebuilding in 1539
In 1534 Danish troops destroyed the tower during the Count’s Feud. The present structure was built in 1539 by Dutch bricklayers and has stood on the coast of the Bay of Lübeck for almost five centuries.
The brick tower of 1827
In its present classicist form of red brick the tower was built in 1827. It stands 31 metres tall and still shapes the silhouette of the seafront. The red brick gave the lighthouse its unmistakable face.
Retirement in 1972
After almost 450 years in service the lighthouse was switched off in 1972: the new Maritim high-rise blocked the view and took over the task of guiding ships with the highest lighthouse beacon in Europe. Read more about the Maritim and its beacon in its own chapter.
Museum and viewing tower
Since 2004 the tower has been a maritime museum of lighthouse technology. From the 31-metre platform the view reaches far across the mouth of the Trave. More on the town’s history under History.
Frequently asked questions about the old lighthouse
Where is Germany’s oldest lighthouse?
Germany’s oldest lighthouse stands in Travemünde, the Baltic resort at the mouth of the Trave that belongs to Lübeck. The old lighthouse shapes the seafront there.
How old is the old lighthouse in Travemünde?
The present structure dates from 1539. A lighthouse on this spot is first documented as early as 1330, which is why it is regarded as the oldest lighthouse in Germany.
Why was the lighthouse switched off in 1972?
The neighbouring Maritim high-rise blocked the view of the old beacon. In 1972 it took over the task of guiding ships with the highest lighthouse beacon in Europe.
How tall is the old lighthouse?
The old lighthouse in Travemünde is 31 metres tall. It was built in its present form of red brick in 1827.
Can you visit the lighthouse?
Yes. Since 2004 the tower has been a maritime museum of lighthouse technology and also a viewing tower. From the platform 31 metres up the view reaches across the mouth of the Trave.
