Lighthouse Roter Sand: Where is the historic building put down?

Lighthouse Roter Sand: Where is the historic building put down?

In an exciting turn, the iconic "Red Sand" lighthouse is once again in focus, since it is considered about its transfer from the Weser mouth. Four locations apply for the contract: Hooksiel, Wilhelmshaven, Fedderwardersiel and Bremerhaven. The decision -making process is significantly determined by technical feasibility and the consent of the respective area owner. A current report on the technical feasibility should soon be available, which could make the application process decisively advance, reports nwzonline.de .

But what makes the "red sand" so special? This lighthouse, which was completed in 1885, is considered the first building in the world to be built directly on the sea floor. With its 53 meters high and a weight of 70 tons, it is not only a technical masterpiece, but also a symbol of progress in the German Empire. Its fire height is 24 meters above the middle flood and has been offering orientation for ever-generations of seafarers for decades, so Denkmalschutz.de .

The competitors around the location

Which location has the best chances? Hooksiel is doing well with an available area of ​​almost 1200 square meters. The owner, Lower Saxony Ports, is fundamentally positively set and offers the area in heritage law. In Wilhelmshaven, on the other hand, the southern end of the Wiesbadenbrücke is applying, but a decision depends on the Federal Agency for Real Estate and ultimately from the Ministry of Defense, because the area is currently awarded to the Bundeswehr.

in Fedderwardersiel, Mayor Axel Linneweber made a concrete proposal: a placement east of the port entrance in the mudflats, which is, however, under the legal influence of the state of Lower Saxony. Municipalization could be necessary. Bremerhaven has so far not provided a clear commitment to a possible location near the Lunesiel in Weserwatt, since an inquiry to the city remained unanswered.

The lighthouse and its challenges

Why is it necessary to transfer the "red sand"? The importance of the lighthouse has decreased in recent years, especially because of the laying of the fairway. Massive damage, such as rusting and problems with the foundation, made extensive renovation work essential. Already in the 1950s it was found that the building is no longer durable in its original form and a radar system cannot be absorbed, which led to its retirement.

After protests by the citizens and the association "Lighthouse Roter Sand e.V." the tower was comprehensively secured in 1987. Nowadays, however, he faces new challenges from climate change, the effects of which such as increasing sea levels and more intensive storms. Preserving at the original location seems impossible, but a transfer of the top tower near the coast is sought, while the foundation should remain in place.

lighthouses have always been a symbol of security and reliability in shipping. They not only have historical importance, they are also an important part of modern navigation. Estimates assume that around a third of the German lighthouses are listed, according to Deutsche-leuchtfeuer.de . The course for the future of the "red sand" are therefore set, while the decision about the new location and the upcoming challenges are still.