Swakopmund lighthouse, Maritime navigation tower in Swakopmund, Namibia.
Leuchtturm Swakopmund is a navigation tower on the Atlantic coast, distinguished by its characteristic red and white coloring. The structure has two galleries and a lantern room at the top, from which light signals are transmitted to ships.
The tower was built in 1902 and initially served as a modest navigational aid for growing maritime traffic along the coast. A major expansion followed in 1910 to improve the range of light signals and guide larger vessels.
The lighthouse is an iconic landmark of the town and shapes how visitors perceive the coastal area. People recognize it immediately by its red and white stripes, which stand out against the sky and reflect the maritime identity of Swakopmund.
The tower is easy to reach on foot from the harbor area and offers a good vantage point over the town. Visitors should note that access to the interior may be limited, and days with strong winds can make climbing more difficult.
A radio beacon was installed in 1940 to improve navigation safety during poor weather conditions. The system was later enhanced with automated light technology, allowing the tower to operate without a permanent staff.
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