Bremerhaven Lighthouse

Bremerhaven Lighthouse
*Bremerhaven Oberfeuer*
Location	Bremerhaven, Germany
Coordinates	53°32′46.7″N 8°34′12.4″E / 53.546306°N 8.570111°E
Tower
Constructed	1855
Construction	brick tower
Automated	1951
Height	37 metres (121 ft)
Shape	square base Brick Gothic tower with octagonal prism lantern
Markings	unpainted bricks with white ornaments, green lantern
Operator	WSA Bremerhaven
Heritage	protected cultural heritage monument in Bremen (state)
Light
First lit	1856
Focal height	37 metres (121 ft)
Range	8 nmi (15 km)
Characteristic	Iso W 4s

The Bremerhaven Lighthouse, also known as the Simon Loschen Tower or Loschen Lighthouse, is the rear light of a pair of leading lights at the New Harbour of Bremerhaven, Germany. It is the oldest operative lighthouse on the mainland along Germany's North Sea shore and is counted among the city's landmarks.

History

From 1853 to 1855 the lighthouse was built in the style of northern German Brick Gothic at the northern side of the harbour's lock from 1852, using plans by architect Simon Loschen from Bremen. It went operational in 1856. Next to the lighthouse there is another brick house that used to serve as quarters and service building for the lighthouse and lock keepers and was partially destroyed during World War II.

The fire was first lit by a gas flame and was later electrified in 1925. It was automated in 1951.

Today's function

The original range of leading lights pointing down the river Weser was replaced by another lighting in 1959. For the upstream range that is still in use today, the tower still serves as the rear light. The corresponding front light Unterfeuer Bremerhaven is situated in a small red and white lighthouse on the southern pier of the lock, also called "the minaret" by locals.