Name and Location

The Neizvestnaya Doroga Lighthouse sits on the east bank of the Volga River, just south of Volgograd in Krasnoarmeyskiy District, Volgograd Oblast, Russia. Its official name remains unknown, but it is often referred to by the adjacent road, Neizvestnaya Doroga (“Unknown Road”).

Construction and History

The lighthouse was constructed during the mid-20th century (Soviet period), although no archival reference has been found to confirm this date. It is presumed that the tower serves as a daymark and lighted aid to navigation for vessels on the Volgograd Reservoir and downstream stretches of the Volga.

Architecture and Materials

The structure is likely constructed from cast-in-place reinforced concrete, typical of Soviet-era river aids. The lighthouse features a slender cylindrical or slightly tapered tower set on a concrete base, standing approximately 8 meters (26 feet) above its foundation.

Light and Navigation

The light characteristic has not been officially published, but photo surveys suggest a white flashing signal, probably Fl W 5 s or similar. The estimated range is 5-7 nautical miles on clear nights. The lighthouse serves as a passive daymark and light only, without AIS/Radar capabilities.

Accessibility and Visiting

The public can access the site at ground level, but there is no internal stairway or platform for visitors to climb the tower. To reach the lighthouse, take the local road “Neizvestnaya Doroga” off the Volgograd-Kamyshin highway and then proceed on foot along an unpaved track to the riverbank.

Notable Views and Landscape

The surrounding landscape features a riparian floodplain with willow and poplar groves. From the tower base, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Volga River, including passing cargo vessels and the Volgograd city skyline to the north.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Locals have jokingly referred to the lighthouse as “The Ghost of the Unknown Road” due to its remote setting. While no documented shipwrecks are known to have occurred in the immediate vicinity, the current marks a shoal edge used by upbound convoys.

Technical and Operational Details

The Federal Agency for Sea and River Transport (Rosmorrechflot) manages the lighthouse through the Volga-Don Shipping Company. The structure is fully automated and does not require staffing or maintenance.

Further Information

No dedicated Wikipedia entry has been found, but OpenStreetMap relation way/99562561 provides a detailed map of the site. Further reading can be done by consulting Rosmorrechflot river aids registry (public domain excerpts) and Soviet-era navigation bulletin “Volga-Don Shipping,” 1960s-80s editions.