Unterfeuer Wittenbergen, Navigational lighthouse in Rissen, Germany
The Unterfeuer Wittenbergen is a navigational lighthouse in Hamburg's Altona district on the Elbe riverbank. The steel lattice tower with a hexagonal brick base stands approximately 30 meters tall and was built as a permanent maritime aid to support river traffic.
The lighthouse began operations on January 1, 1900, with a fifth-order lens system and petroleum burner to produce its light. In 1905, the entire structure was relocated 9 meters inland to adapt to changes in the Elbe River's shipping channel.
The lighthouse has become a recognizable symbol for river traffic and shapes how locals view the Elbe shoreline. Ships passing by identify it immediately as a reliable landmark in the harbor landscape.
The structure is easily visible from the shore and serves as an important reference point for anyone exploring the Elbe riverside. The best views come from the pathways along the Elbe promenade, where you can see the entire structure and surrounding area clearly.
The 4-ton structure was successfully relocated, a remarkable feat of early twentieth-century engineering. This relocation demonstrates how river geography and human adaptation can work together.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
