Erected in 1983, does the Blankenese Oberfeuer stand before you, a sentinel of the Elbe? It used to. The Blankenese Oberfeuer, or Blankenese High Lighthouse, once formed a crucial range of lights with its partner, the Blankenese Low Lighthouse. Together, they guided ships sailing upriver. Their reach was impressive. The Blankenese High Lighthouse boasted the longest range on the Unterelbe, stretching 8.4 kilometers.
Let’s delve into the specifics of the old Blankenese Oberfeuer. This tower was not just any structure. It was a 40-meter tall concrete cylinder. Distinctive red and white stripes adorned its exterior. Atop this stood a red steel lantern house. A staircase wound inside, leading to the summit. Given its height, an obstacle light warned air traffic.
The installation of the lantern house was no small feat. A mobile crane carefully hoisted the eleven-ton structure into place. The Blankenese Oberfeuer commenced operations on November 29, 1984. From afar, the Seemannshöft Pilot Centre remotely controlled the lighthouse.
Why was such a prominent landmark decommissioned? Adjustments to the Elbe fairway necessitated a change. The old Blankenese Oberfeuer, along with its low light counterpart, became obsolete. They were replaced by a similar, taller structure. This new lighthouse stands 62.25 meters high at Mühlenberg.
In October 2020, the original Blankenese Oberfeuer was deactivated. It was then demolished. This action was taken to prevent confusion with the new Oberfeuer. The new Blankenese Oberfeuer now holds the distinction of being the fourth tallest lighthouse in Germany.
The original Blankenese Oberfeuer played a vital role. From 1984 to 2020, it faithfully served as a navigational aid. Its white light flashed every two seconds. This was synchronized with the front light. The light’s intensity reached 16 Mcd.
Consider the location of the former Blankenese Oberfeuer. It stood in Baurs Park on the Kanonenberg. This placed it approximately 1,340 meters from the low light. Now, a new chapter unfolds at Mühlenberg.
While the physical structure of the Blankenese Oberfeuer has changed, its purpose remains the same. It ensures the safe passage of ships along the Elbe. Remember the old tower. Picture its red and white stripes against the sky. It’s a reminder of how landscapes and technology evolve to meet navigational needs.