Moving of the historical lighthouse Roter Sand: New home wanted!

Moving of the historical lighthouse Roter Sand: New home wanted!

Wilhelmshaven, Deutschland - The sea has its own rhythm, but now one of the best -known landmarks in Germany is facing a major upheaval: the lighthouse "Red Sand", which has been between Bremerhaven and Helgoland since 1885, has to move. The reason? The 140 -year -old tower is ailing and urgently needs a new home to avoid corrosion and decay. The German Foundation for Monument Protection (DSD) has already considered several municipalities as possible locations, as well as the task of planning and implementing the move. Who would have thought that a large building like the red sand could actually be pulled ashore? Kleine Zeitung reports that the masterminds of the foundation have not been determined for the new location and the decision is to be made in summer 2023.

The "Red Sand" lighthouse is considered a technical masterpiece and was once the world's first offshore building to anchor in the open sea. With a height of 52.5 meters including the foundation, it is not only an impressive building, but also an important part of the history of many emigrants who saw him as the last visible sign of home on their journey into the new world. From 1986 the lighthouse was no longer in operation, but was listed in 1982. His stability has been classified as endangered since an expert opinion in 2019 and it has been found that the building will probably fall over in the next 100 years. Therefore, the move and a possible disassembly are essential to preserve the historical heritage. The [NZZ] (https://www.nzz.ch/panorama/weil-er-ist-muss-der-nordsee--lesand-sand-müben-more-ever-community-wollen-i-neue-Hei- Heih-Bieten-LD.1887508) has already discussed the plans.

The possible new home

Where could the lighthouse find its new home? Several communities have already applied: Wilhelmshaven, Hooksiel, Fedderwardersiel and Bremerhaven could soon become the new locations of the historical building. So an exciting decision is imminent because the move would be a premiere - the first lighthouse that is moved from the sea to the mainland. The special thing about it: A buoy is placed as a memory at the old location, while the foundation is left in the seabed. In this way, a deep connection to the history of the location remains. This is highlighted by the swb.

The DSD will weigh the different aspects in the decision -making process. Fees for the move will also play a role, and the possibilities for transport are fascinating: the lighthouse could either be transported in one piece by ship or piece by piece, while a helicopter solution is out of the question. It remains exciting how the planning will develop and which community ultimately gets the contract.

A look back at the story

The red sand is not just an important building, but part of a long tradition of lighthouses that offer the seafarers an orientation. The famous Pharos of Alexandria was already in 280 BC. BC built and is considered one of the first lighthouses in history. The colossus of Rhodes and modern specimens such as the port lighthouse in Dschidda, Saudi Arabia, illustrate the constant further development of these buildings over the centuries. With the possible move of the red sand, a new era is heralded, which enables both the preservation and access to the cultural heritage, in the sense of the tradition of these impressive light signs.