Leuchtturm Holnis

The Leuchtturm Holnis is a historic lighthouse located on the island of Holnis in the Baltic Sea, off the coast of Germany.

History

• The tower's construction dates back to 1893, during the period of German colonial expansion in East Prussia.
• The lighthouse was built by the German Navy and served as an important aid to navigation for ships traveling through the busy shipping lanes of the Baltic.

Architecture

The Leuchtturm Holnis is a distinctive example of late 19th-century maritime architecture.

• The tower stands at a height of 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level, with a focal height of 32 meters (105 feet).
• The structure is made of granite and features a characteristic hexagonal shape, typical of many German lighthouses from this period.

The lighthouse has four distinct light sources, each with its own unique color and pattern. The main light source is white, with a range of 13 nautical miles, while the secondary lights are green, red, and yellow, each with their own specific range and visibility characteristics.

Location

The Leuchtturm Holnis is situated on the island of Holnis, which is located off the coast of Glücksburg, Germany.

• The lighthouse can be accessed by boat or by foot via a short path from the nearby town of Glücksburg.

Visitors to the lighthouse are welcome to explore the tower and its surrounding grounds, although access may be restricted in certain areas due to safety concerns.

Current Status

The Leuchtturm Holnis is no longer an active aid to navigation, as it has been replaced by more modern navigational aids.

• However, the lighthouse remains a popular tourist destination and is listed as a historic landmark in Germany.

Heritage Status

The Leuchtturm Holnis is protected under German law as a cultural heritage site, recognizing its importance as an example of late 19th-century maritime architecture.

Notable Historical Events

• During World War II, the lighthouse was used by German forces as a military installation, and it played a significant role in the defense of the Baltic coast.
• After the war, the lighthouse was decommissioned and left to decay, but it has since been restored and is now open to visitors.

Today, the Leuchtturm Holnis remains an important part of Germany's maritime heritage, serving as a reminder of the country's rich history of navigation and exploration.