Name and Location

The Alter Leuchtturm, also known as the Old Lighthouse, is a small decorative lighthouse structure located within the IGA Park in Rostock, Germany. The address is Schmarl Dorf 40, 18106 Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. The coordinates are 54°08′24.3″ N, 12°05′04.3″ E.

Construction and History

The Alter Leuchtturm was constructed in the early 2000s as part of the landscaping and thematic installations for the IGA Rostock 2003 horticultural exhibition. Although commonly called the "Old Lighthouse," it was not an older, historic harbour light but a newly built garden folly meant to evoke traditional German Baltic Sea lighthouses.

Architecture and Materials

The structure is a folly with a simplified lighthouse form – a square plan tapering toward a modest gallery and pyramidal roof. It is likely constructed using timber framing with painted cladding and has a metal roof cap. The height of the lighthouse is approximately 8 meters.

Light and Navigation

There is no operational lantern installed, so there is no light range or characteristic. The structure is not automated, nor does it have AIS/Radar installations. It is not charted for navigation.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Alter Leuchtturm serves as a decorative landmark and photo spot within IGA Park amenities. Visitors can access the park at all opening hours, with no entrance fee beyond park admission (usually free). However, the lighthouse itself is not open for climbing or interior tours.

Notable Views and Landscape

Located on a slight rise amid mixed ornamental woodlands and native plantings, the lighthouse affords visitors a pleasant view over the central lawn area of the park. To the north, paths lead down to the Barnstorfer Gewässer (small inland bay), where waterfowl and sailing craft are often seen.

Anecdotes and Folklore

While no direct attribution has been documented, it is possible that the lighthouse's design cues were drawn from the historic Warnemünde or Hohe Düne lighthouses.

Technical and Operational Details

No nautical chart reference exists for navigation. The structure does not have any automation, AIS/Radar installations, or a focal height, as no operational lantern is installed.