Harriersand Lighthouse
8FFW+HX Schwanewede, Germany
Name and Location
Harriersand Lighthouse is an active major light marking the northern approach to the Hamme River and the Wümme–Weser canal system on the island of Harriersand in the municipality of Schwanewede, Lower Saxony, Germany. Its location can be found at 53°19′26″ N, 8°29′51″ E.
2. Construction and History
The exact construction date or architect of Harriersand Lighthouse is unknown. However, it is believed to have been erected in the mid-20th century based on its style and seamark mapping. The lighthouse serves primarily local commercial and recreational traffic, with no major shipwrecks directly attributed to marker absence.
3. Architecture and Materials
The structure type of Harriersand Lighthouse is a major seamark light, standing 22 meters tall above ground. Its construction materials are not recorded, but likely consist of steel or concrete typical of German inland lights. The architectural style is functional, with no decorative styling recorded.
4. Light and Navigation
Harriersand Lighthouse emits an upper category white occulting flash every six seconds (Oc W 6 s), visible for 24 hours a day. Its nominal range is 15 nautical miles, making it a vital navigation aid for vessels in the area.
5. Accessibility and Visiting
Visitors are not typically allowed to access Harriersand Lighthouse, as its primary function is to serve as an automated navigation aid. The island can be reached by a small bridge from the mainland at Schwanewede, but there are no formal parking or visitor facilities.
6. Notable Views and Landscape
The surrounding landscape offers unobstructed 360° views over river channels, salt-marsh meadows, and pastureland. Birdwatching and sunsets over the Weser are particularly popular activities in this area.
7. Anecdotes and Folklore
No major shipwrecks have been attributed to marker absence at Harriersand Lighthouse, making it a relatively safe navigation aid for local vessels.
8. Technical and Operational Details
Harriersand Lighthouse is an automated light, operated without human intervention. Its managing authority is likely the Wasserstraßen- und Schifffahrtsamt Bremen or Lower Saxony Waterways Office. The lighthouse can be found on German national chart series (BKG BSH) for Weser approaches.
9. Further Information
Details
| Name | Harriersand Lighthouse |
|---|---|
| City | Schwanewede |
| Country | Germany |
| Coordinates | 53.3239386, 8.4974144 |
| Stories | No major shipwrecks are directly attributed to marker absence here |
| Architectural style | Functional navigation aid |
| Construction material | "Likely steel or concrete tower typical of German inland lights" |
| Focal height | 22 |
| Tower height | 22 |
| Access description | Harriersand is accessible by a small bridge from the mainland at Schwanewede. |
| Accessible | false |
| Landscape type | Tidal flats of the Weser estuary and the marshy banks of Harriersand |
| View description | Unobstructed 360° panorama over river channels and salt-marsh meadows; ideal site for birdwatching and sunsets over the Weser. |
| Guided tours | false |
| Nearby attractions | ["List of lighthouses in Germany","OpenStreetMap node: node/256318227"] |
| AIS Radar | false |
| Light characteristic | "Oc W 6 s (1 cycle every 6 seconds)" |
| Light range | 15 |
| Automated | true |