Scharhörnbake, Refuge beacon in Hamburg-Mitte, Germany
The Scharhörnbake was a towering navigation beacon on the German North Sea coast designed to guide vessels entering the Elbe estuary. This structure rose to about 29 meters and functioned as a reliable reference point for ships navigating the waters off Hamburg.
The beacon was established by Hamburg in 1661 and shaped maritime navigation in the region for over 300 years. It underwent several reconstructions over the centuries and was finally removed in 1979 as it became less relevant to modern shipping.
The structure represented Hamburg's commitment to maritime safety, functioning as a primary waypoint for ships navigating through the dangerous Scharhörn Reef waters.
The location is only accessible by water and sits in an exposed area of the North Sea. Visitors should check with local harbor authorities about access and safety regulations, as the area is known for demanding weather conditions.
The foundation of field stones that still sits near Nigehörn today is the last physical remnant of the structure. Between 1898 and 1914 it held the distinction of being the tallest navigation marker on this stretch of the North Sea coast.
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