Name and Location

The Altenbruch Lighthouse, commonly known by its local nickname "Dicke Berta" ("Fat Berta"), stands at Deichkronenweg (near Döschers Trift), 27478 Cuxhaven, Lower Saxony, Germany. Its coordinates are 53°50′8.937″ N, 8°46′17.0″ E.

Construction and History

The lighthouse was built in 1897 as a historic coastal beacon on the North Sea dike at Altenbruch, a district of Cuxhaven in Lower Saxony, Germany. It was constructed during the era of expanding German coastal defenses and navigational aids along the Elbe approach.

Architecture and Materials

The tower is made of masonry, likely brick or rubble construction beneath a plaster finish. Its shape is cylindrical with a lantern and gallery, and it originally featured alternating bands or plain light color to maximize daytime visibility. The interior features a spiral staircase leading to the former lantern room, now converted for exhibition use.

Light and Navigation

Although no longer an active light for large-scale navigation, the lighthouse serves as a daymark and local waypoint. It is decommissioned as a primary coastal light and automation has made it possible to manage any remaining minor functions (e.g., warning lights) automatically.

Accessibility and Visiting

The lighthouse can be accessed on foot or by bicycle along the dike path from Altenbruch village center, about 1 km east of the Altenbruch harbor. Parking is available off-dike on nearby farm roads. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views over the tidal flats of the Elbe estuary, passing ships, and at low tide, the mudflats of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage area.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape offers breathtaking views of the Elbe estuary, passing ships, and the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage area. At low tide, visitors can explore the mudflats of the Wadden Sea National Park visitor centers are nearby.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local lore holds that in severe winter storms, the tower was the only landmark visible for miles across the frozen mudflats. The origin of the nickname "Dicke Berta" remains speculative, but it may be linked to the famous WW I howitzer or simply reflect the tower's stout proportions.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is listed as a historic structure ("historic=yes" in official records) and managed by the Regional tourism authority of Cuxhaven in cooperation with local preservation groups. It features a focal height, range, and light characteristic that are no longer part of current official aids-to-navigation lists.

Further Information

• Official site: leuchtturmneuwerk.de/sehenswuerdigkeiten/cuxhaven/leuchtturm-dicke-berta-cuxhaven/
• German Wikipedia: de:Dicke Berta (Leuchtturm)
• OpenStreetMap entry: way/251057256