Kugelbake, Maritime landmark in Cuxhaven, Germany
The Kugelbake is a 30-meter-tall wooden structure at the northernmost point of Lower Saxony where the Elbe River flows into the North Sea. Its distinctive spherical top makes this old navigation marker visible from far away and defines the harbor's silhouette.
After a 1703 storm surge destroyed the natural tree markers that sailors relied on, the first navigation structure was built at this site. It was created as a practical solution for ships needing reliable guidance at this dangerous coastal point.
The beacon appears on Cuxhaven's coat of arms and symbolizes the town's lasting connection to the sea and seafaring traditions. Visitors recognize it as a symbol of local identity rooted in maritime heritage.
The wooden structure sits directly by Cuxhaven's harbor and is easy to reach on foot, especially by walking along the waterfront promenade. North Sea winds are strong here, so visitors should be prepared for changing weather at any time.
Many visitors don't realize that one of Germany's first coastal radio stations was established here in 1899, transforming how ships communicated. This early role in radio technology made the site a turning point in maritime communications.
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