Motorfyrskibet Horns Rev

About the museum

The lightship was built in 1913–1914 at the Rasmus Møller shipyard in Faaborg for the state lighthouse authority and handed over in København in August 1914. It was the first Danish lightship with a motor drive and is among the largest ships of its kind in the country. The hull is made of oak and sheathed in copper at the bottom; in 1967–1968 the ship was extensively modernized at Nyborg Værft and received, among other things, a new diesel engine, a stronger light, and a fog signal.

During most of its 73 years of service, the ship was stationed off Esbjerg, including at Horns Rev, securing the entrance to the harbor. As the last lightship at several of these stations, it ended the more than hundred-year history of the Esbjerg lightships in 1988.

When the navy wanted to auction off the ship in 1988, a group of Esbjerg citizens campaigned to save it. A foundation set up for the purpose took it over in September 1989, and on July 8, 1990, it opened as a museum and exhibition ship. Since then, the association Fyrskibets Venner has maintained it, and the Fiskeri- og Søfartsmuseet supports the project professionally.

The aim is to show the ship as it looked when it was decommissioned, with all the traces of its operation. A small exhibition in the mess serves as an introduction, and the rest of the ship can be visited in its original condition.

Highlights

• Denmark's first motor lightship (built 1914)
• Largely original furnishings of the galley, mess, and crew quarters
• Navigation light on the main mast and fog signal system
• Small introductory exhibition in the mess
• Berth in the port of Esbjerg

Founded

1990

Operated by

Fonden til Bevarelse af Motorfyrskibet nr. 1 (selbstständige Stiftung), Unterhalt durch den Verein Fyrskibets Venner

Admission & discounts

Accessibility

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.

Getting there & parking

The lightship is moored in the port of Esbjerg at Rødspættekaj (Dokhavnen/Esbjerg Strand area).

Amenities & dining

There is a small kiosk on board where you can also become a member of the friends' association Fyrskibets Venner.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Corporate events

The ship can be rented for receptions (DKK 1,500) and lunch events (DKK 750), with or without catering, tent, and storytelling. A maximum of 9 people fit below deck. Food can be delivered by external providers.

Plan your visit