Name and Location

The Diaz Point Lighthouse is located in the southern coastal town of Luderitz, Namibia. Its official name is Diaz Point, while it is also commonly referred to as Leuchtturm Diaz-Spitze in German. The lighthouse sits at an address of 937V+C5 Luderitz, Namibia, with coordinates (-26.6364837° S, 15.0929265° E).

Construction and History

The Diaz Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1920 during the German colonial era.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse is constructed in a traditional style, with a tower made of reinforced concrete and a lantern room at the top. The structure stands 28 meters (92 feet) tall, with a focal height of 53 meters (174 feet).

Light and Navigation

The lighthouse emits a white light with a range of 22 nautical miles. The light characteristic is described as "Fl(3)W.15s," indicating a flashing white light every 10 seconds.

Accessibility and Visiting

Although its original purpose as a navigational aid has been largely superseded by modern technology, the Diaz Point Lighthouse remains a prominent landmark and tourist attraction. Visitors can access the lighthouse, although specific hours and facilities may vary depending on the time of year and availability. The closest major airport is the Namibia Airports Company Limited (NAC) at Windhoek, approximately 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) north of Luderitz.

Notable Views and Landscape

From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Namibian coastline, with the Atlantic Ocean stretching out to the horizon. The surrounding landscape is characterized by vast expanses of sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, and unique coastal formations shaped by the region's strong winds and waves.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Several former lighthouse keepers have shared stories about their experiences at Diaz Point, describing the challenges and rewards of living in such a remote location while performing critical duties as navigational aids. These stories provide a glimpse into the lives of those who played a vital role in maritime history.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse was previously operated manually but has since been automated. The managing authority is responsible for ensuring the lighthouse remains an important aid to navigation in Namibia.

Further Information

For further reading, please refer to the Wikipedia article on Diaz Point Lighthouse: [link].