Name and Location

Glückstadt Oberfeuer, also known as Glückstadt Upper Light, is a rear range light located on the north bank of the Elbe River at Glückstadt, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The exact address is Am Neuendeich 32, 25348 Glückstadt, Steinburg district.

2. Construction and History

The original construction date of the lighthouse is not firmly documented in available sources. However, it was recorded as "historic" in public mapping databases. Prior to automation, the Oberfeuer was tended from small service buildings at its base. Anecdotal records of families billeted here during the 19th and early 20th centuries are mentioned in local archives.

3. Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a red-and-white vertically striped cylindrical tower rising from a small base platform. The construction materials are not documented, but they are likely to be masonry or metal-clad.

4. Light and Navigation

The light characteristic of the Oberfeuer is isophase ("Iso"), with a period of 8 seconds. The nominal range is 21 nautical miles. The lighthouse is fully automated and no resident keeper has been present since the mid-20th century. It is an active aid to navigation under the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (WSV).

5. Accessibility and Visiting

The tower itself is not open to visitors, but the river-dike promenade alongside offers unhindered views of the structure and passing vessels. The nearest attractions include the historic Glückstadt town center, Elbe ferry service to Wischhafen, and dike-top walking and cycling routes with panoramic river views.

6. Notable Views and Landscape

The Oberfeuer commands a wide panorama upriver toward Hamburg and downriver toward the North Sea. On clear days, the red-white tower stands out against maritime traffic and tidal flats. Photographers and "lighthouse-spotters" often capture images at sunrise or sunset from the adjacent grassy embankment.

7. Anecdotes and Folklore

There are anecdotal records of families billeted here during the 19th and early 20th centuries, but details are scarce.

8. Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse has an enclosed, automated light unit with rotating or flashing beacons to produce an isophase effect every 8 seconds. The power source is mains electricity, backed up by an automatic battery system. Minor structural refurbishments have been recorded in WSV maintenance logs.

9. Further Information

For further information, please visit the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsverwaltung des Bundes (WSV) official website or consult local archives of Glückstadt municipality for keeper logs and historic photographs.