Heligoland Düne Lighthouse, Maritime navigation aid on Heligoland island, Germany
The Heligoland Düne Lighthouse is a 15-meter iron tower with white and red stripes serving as a navigation aid on the dune. It marks the shipping channels leading to the island's harbors in the North Sea.
The current structure was built in 1936, replacing earlier navigation aids that Hamburg merchants operated as coal beacons since 1663. This long history shows how vital the island was for the region's sea trade.
The lighthouse is part of Heligoland's maritime heritage and shows how important coastal navigation was for sailors. Visitors can see how such structures shaped daily island life.
The structure emits white, red, and green sector lights that flash every four seconds to help ships navigate. The location is best visited during daytime, as the island is accessible only by boat or plane.
A 10-meter steel mast located 120 meters south of the tower functions as a lower light, forming a dual navigation system. This arrangement was essential for sailors to safely approach the island even in poor weather.
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