Latarnia Morska Świnoujście

The Latarnia Morska Świnoujście is situated on Kasztanowa, in the town of Świnoujście, Poland.

Location and Accessibility

• The lighthouse is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with several parking options available nearby.

Construction of the lighthouse began in 1857 and was completed in 1861. It has been an important aid to navigation for mariners since its construction.

History

• Over the years, the lighthouse has undergone several restorations and renovations to ensure its continued operation.

The Latarnia Morska Świnoujście is a tall, cylindrical structure with a distinctive red-and-white striped pattern. The tower stands at 64.8 meters (213 feet) in height, while the focal height is 68 meters (223 feet).

Architecture

• The lighthouse features two main lights: one emitting a red beam with a range of 9 nautical miles and another emitting a white beam with a range of 24 nautical miles.

The Latarnia Morska Świnoujście's primary light is an occulting (oscillating) light, which means it appears to move as the observer moves around it. The red light has a period of 5 seconds and emits a beam that can be seen from up to 9 nautical miles away.

The white light also oscillates with a period of 5 seconds and is visible from up to 24 nautical miles.

Light Characteristics

• Visitors can still climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the surrounding area.

The Latarnia Morska Świnoujście remains an active aid to navigation, although it has been automated since its restoration in the late 20th century. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Monuments in Poland.

Heritage Status

• The Latarnia Morska Świnoujście played an important role during World War II, serving as a beacon for Allied forces navigating the Baltic Sea.
• The lighthouse also features prominently in local folklore and has been the subject of several artistic works over the years.