Sperrwerk Wischhafen, Tidal barrier in Wischhafen, Germany

The Sperrwerk Wischhafen is a tidal barrier separating the Wischhafener Süderelbe from the Elbe, about 500 m upstream of the Glückstadt–Wischhafen ferry pier. It has a 20 m wide navigation opening closed by two two-part mitre gates, a sill 4.50 m below sea level, and a sluice with two 5 m wide openings. A bascule bridge crosses the navigation opening.

The barrier was completed in 1978 following severe storm surges in 1962 that devastated the region and revealed the need for stronger flood protection. This construction project was a direct response to that disaster, designed to shield communities from similar catastrophes in the future.

The barrier is operated by the Stade branch of the NLWKN, Lower Saxony's state agency for water management, coastal protection and nature conservation. Its name refers to the Wischhafener Süderelbe, the side arm it seals off from the Elbe about 500 m upstream of the Glückstadt–Wischhafen ferry landing.

The barrier stands about 500 m upstream of the Glückstadt–Wischhafen ferry landing. The lift bridge over the 20 m navigation opening is normally raised for dike maintenance traffic; it is lowered for pedestrians and cyclists only from 1 May to 30 September, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 10:00–12:00 and 17:00–19:00. The bridge is part of the North Sea Coast Cycle Route.

The lift bridge over the 20 m navigation opening is normally kept raised and serves dike maintenance traffic; it opens to pedestrians and cyclists only from 1 May to 30 September, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, 10:00–12:00 and 17:00–19:00. It is part of the North Sea Coast Cycle Route.