After a fire almost completely destroyed the old lighthouse on Borkum in 1879, there was no time to lose. The New Lighthouse was built in record time between May and September 1879 to ensure that ships passing by the island could continue to find their way safely.
The New Lighthouse is still one of the most important sea lights on the North Sea coast today and serves as a daytime marker and at night to guide shipping passing in front of the Ems estuary. On clear nights, the light is visible for up to 45 kilometres. In addition, a secondary light set up in the side window of the tower signals a change of course at the notorious Borkum reef plate.
Even if the climb seems sporty at first glance, the effort is definitely worth it. After climbing exactly 308 steps, you reach the viewing platform of the lighthouse, from where you have a unique view over Borkum, the sea, the neighbouring island, the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site and, on a clear day, even parts of the Dutch mainland.
The New Lighthouse is still one of the most important sea lights on the North Sea coast today and serves as a daytime marker and at night to guide shipping passing in front of the Ems estuary. On clear nights, the light is visible for up to 45 kilometres. In addition, a secondary light set up in the side window of the tower signals a change of course at the notorious Borkum reef plate.
Even if the climb seems sporty at first glance, the effort is definitely worth it. After climbing exactly 308 steps, you reach the viewing platform of the lighthouse, from where you have a unique view over Borkum, the sea, the neighbouring island, the Wadden Sea World Heritage Site and, on a clear day, even parts of the Dutch mainland.
Good to know
Openings
Tuesday and Thursday preferably open for groups of 10 or more, please register in advance at leuchtturm@borkum.de.
Last ascent possible 30 minutes before closing time.
In bad weather, the New Lighthouse remains closed for safety reasons.
Please refer to the notices on the New Lighthouse and in the tourist information office as well as at www.borkum.de/leuchttuerme/ for any closing days.
Last ascent possible 30 minutes before closing time.
In bad weather, the New Lighthouse remains closed for safety reasons.
Please refer to the notices on the New Lighthouse and in the tourist information office as well as at www.borkum.de/leuchttuerme/ for any closing days.
Eligibility
Suitable for any weather
for Groups
for Class
for individual guests
Suitable for the Elderly
for Children of the age of 3-6
for Children of the age of 6-10
for Children of the age of 10 upwards
Foreign Language
German, English
Author
Organization
Nordseeheilbad Borkum GmbH
License (master data)
Nearby
