Ready to Save a Crumbling Icon: The Roter Sand Lighthouse Needs a New Home
Lighthouse in search of a new location - Historic Lighthouse Needs a Relocation Site
Hey there!
Let's talk about an old, iconic structure in Germany - the red-and-white beacon, the Roter Sand, right smack in the middle of the Weser estuary. Unfortunately, it's seen better days, thanks to wind and waves that have left it in ruin. The plan? Move it to dry land - a never-before-seen project that's stirred curiosity in towns on the mainland, promising a fresh tourist draw. But where will she end up?
These days, everyone's putting their hat in the ring, vying for the lighthouse's new home. Wilhelmshaven, Bremerhaven, Hooksiel in the Frisian Wangerland, and Fedderwardersiel on the Butjadingen peninsula have thrown their names into the ring. Thomas Mertz, spokesperson for the German Foundation for Monument Protection, spoke to the German Press Agency and stated that there's no clear frontrunner yet. The lighthouse belongs to the federal government, while the foundation looks after its upkeep.
No decision's been made yet on the Roter Sand's destination. The wheels are turning, and we might hear more whispers by summer's end. "We're trying to make a decision swiftly, but given the unique nature of this event, we don't want to rush," Mertz shared.
Moving a lighthouse is an unusual endeavor, particularly with the Roter Sand expected to move dozens of kilometers from sea to land. In Denmark, the Rubjerg Knude lighthouse was moved on rails, but only 70 meters away from the edge of a cliff back in 2019.
Why the lighthouse's relocation is crucial
Fun fact: the Roter Sand was declared a protected monument in 1982. A study in 2019 determined its structural integrity at risk, so experts mulled several options - from deliberate decay to on-site refurbishment to translocation. The bottom line: the tower needs to be dismantled, hauled over land, and put back together. However, no timeline for the move has been set yet, says the foundation. For now, the tower's maintenance continues.
So, keep an eye out for the Roter Sand lighthouse - news on its much-needed relocation might be breaking soon! If you're keen to know more, local and national news sources in Cuxhaven, Germany, would likely have the most up-to-date information on the project.
The community is actively discussing potential areas for the Roter Sand lighthouse, with suggestions including Wilhelmshaven, Bremerhaven, Hooksiel, and Fedderwardersiel. The lifestyle and outdoor-living enthusiasts might find its new home in areas with home-and-garden opportunities, contributing to a unique blend of history and modern living.
