Special lighthouses: Heligoland - its light is reminiscent of dark times

Heligoland, the red rock in the North Sea; many people have forgotten that Germany's only high seas island has not been German for very long. It was only in 1890, after the German Empire received it in exchange for Zanzibar from Great Britain. The massive lighthouse in its present form is a direct result of this trade - in a tragic way.

Heligoland: smuggling and summer holidays

Heligoland was a British Crown Colony for almost 100 years, from 1807, when it was "taken" from the Danes during the Napoleonic Wars, until 1890. During this time, the island underwent a spectacular transformation, from a smuggling centre to a seaside resort. Holidaymakers in search of a summer retreat didn't care that the Union Jack was flying at the harbour on the lower land.

For shipping in the German Bight, the red sandstone rock with its surrounding reefs was both a destination and an obstacle. The British erected the first lighthouse as early as 1810. It stood until 1902, when it was replaced by a more powerful successor. Its design was similar to the one at Cape Arkona on the island of Rügen. It could still be standing today if the Kaiser and later Hitler had not seen Heligoland primarily as one thing: a heavily armed fortress.

• Name: Lighthouse Helgoland, Germany
• Location: German Bight, North Sea
• Position: 54°10'54.7 "N 007°52'56.8 "E
• Tower height: 35 m
• Height of fire: 82 m
• Identifier: Fl W. 5s

From the anti-aircraft control centre to the lighthouse

Shortly before the end of the war, on 18 and 19 April 1945, the Royal Air Force carried out heavy bombing raids on the island. The lighthouse also fell victim to the destruction. When the smoke had cleared, only a single structure rose from the ruins of the Oberland - a high bunker, the square concrete block from which Heligoland's air defence had been directed.

Peace also brought back the need to provide shipping with a landmark again. As a result, in the absence of other buildings, the only slightly damaged former anti-aircraft control centre was given a temporary lantern house as an extension in 1952 and became the new lighthouse. Raised in 1964 and clad in red brick, it was given its current appearance. Due to its peaceful function, its wartime past is barely recognisable.

The most powerful German beacon has also been rotating at its tip since 1964. Its nominal range is 28 nautical miles. A xenon high-pressure lamp produces a light with an intensity of 35 megacandela. This is roughly equivalent to the light of 35 million candles or 350,000 100-watt light bulbs. Its flashes can even be seen on land in good conditions.

For guest sailors: jetties of the WSC Helgoland

Guests on their own keel come to Heligoland in large numbers, especially in summer. Although the southern harbour is a federal harbour of refuge and can be called at at any tide, it does not operate a commercial marina.

Berths are available depending on the size of the boat, in the south harbour at the floating jetty along the Ostkaje, the central jetty (of the Watersports Club Helgoland(registration in advance), as well as at the north and west quays if necessary. On-site registration takes place at the Heligoland harbour office. There are also berths in the north-east harbour, where you can register with the harbour master of WSC Helgoland.