The Latarnia Morska Hel

The Latarnia Morska Hel is a historic lighthouse located on the coast of Hel, Poland.

Overview

This prominent structure has been guiding mariners for over 75 years and serves as an iconic symbol of the town.

History

• Construction of the Latarnia Morska Hel began in 1942, during World War II.
• The lighthouse was built to aid navigation in the busy shipping lanes off the coast of Hel.
• After its completion, it became a vital aid to mariners and played a significant role in the country's maritime history.

Architecture

The Latarnia Morska Hel is constructed from brick materials and stands at an impressive 41.5 meters (137 feet) tall.

The lighthouse features a distinctive red coloration, which serves as a prominent visual landmark for ships navigating the area.

The tower's design is characteristic of Polish lighthouses, with a traditional cylindrical shape and a lantern room at the top.

Light Characteristics

The Latarnia Morska Hel emits a white light with a range of 17 nautical miles (31 kilometers).

The light has a period of 10 seconds and a sequence of five flashes, followed by a five-second pause.

This unique pattern helps to identify the lighthouse as a major aid to navigation.

Current Status

The Latarnia Morska Hel remains an active aid to navigation, although it is no longer fully automated.

The Polish Maritime Authority (Urząd Morski w Gdyni) continues to monitor and maintain the lighthouse, ensuring its continued operation and safety for mariners.

Location and Accessibility

The Latarnia Morska Hel is located on Bałtycka Street in Hel, a coastal town in northern Poland.

Visitors can access the lighthouse by car or public transportation, with parking available nearby.

A small fee of 15 PLN (approximately 3 EUR) is charged for entry.

Heritage Status

The Latarnia Morska Hel has been recognized as a cultural and historical landmark by the Polish government.

Its significance in the country's maritime history and its well-preserved condition make it an important part of Poland's architectural heritage.

Notable Historical Events

During World War II, the Latarnia Morska Hel played a crucial role in guiding Allied ships through the busy shipping lanes off the coast of Hel.

The lighthouse also served as a beacon for Polish resistance fighters during the war.

Today, it remains an important symbol of Poland's maritime history and a popular tourist destination.

Coordinates

Latitude: 54°36'01"N

Longitude: 18°48'28"E

The Latarnia Morska Hel stands as a testament to Poland's rich maritime history and its role in guiding mariners for generations.