BUK Lighthouse

Small but tall: The “Buk” lighthouse is the highest lighthouse in Germany, yet it is also one of the smallest. Built at an elevation of 78 meters above sea level, the 21-meter-tall tower brings the light source to a height of 95.3 meters—making it a maritime signal visible from far away.

The “Buk” lighthouse owes its name to the Buk headland between Kühlungsborn and Rerik. The lighthouse was built there in 1876 at the headland’s highest point to serve as a navigational aid for ships entering Wismar Bay. It still serves as a navigational aid today, though it is now fully automated and operates without a crew.

The view is unique: On a clear day (tip: it’s not as hazy in the morning), you can see as far as Rostock, Warnemünde, Fehmarn, and Denmark—but even just the view of the Rerik countryside and Wismar Bay alone makes the climb worthwhile. By the way, you have to make the climb on foot; there is no elevator. However, the fifty-five steps up to the observation deck should be easy for almost anyone to manage.

At the base of the lighthouse, you can recover from the climb with coffee and cake at Café Valentin and enjoy the panoramic terrace for a sweeping view of the landscape.

Stop: Bastorf

Routes:
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