Alter Leuchtturm Travemünde
Germany's oldest surviving lighthouse (1539), with a maritime museum on lighthouse technology across eight floors and a viewing gallery over the Bay of Lübeck.
About the museum
There was already a harbor beacon at the mouth of the Trave in the 13th century, and a lighthouse is documented around 1330. After Danish troops destroyed the previous structure in 1534, Dutch masons built the current brick tower in 1539; it is considered Germany's oldest surviving lighthouse.
The light was probably first an open wood fire, later oil lamps in front of concave mirrors. After a lightning strike in 1827, the upper section was rebuilt in the Neoclassical style. Electric arc lamps were introduced in 1903, and incandescent bulbs from 1937. In 1922, the tower was registered as a technical heritage monument.
When the high-rise Maritim Hotel blocked the view of the tower, the light was switched off in 1972; its function was taken over by a light on the hotel roof. The Wasser- und Schifffahrtsamt Lübeck (Waterways and Shipping Office) had the tower thoroughly restored in 2003/2004, and it has served as a museum since 2004.
Across eight floors, the exhibition displays models of lightships, marine lanterns and lighting apparatus from other towers, along with photos and information on the region's lighthouses. 142 steps lead up to the preserved lighting system and the surrounding viewing gallery.
Highlights
- Germany's oldest surviving lighthouse (1539)
- Working historic lighting system on the top floor
- Models of lightships and historic marine lanterns
- Viewing gallery overlooking the Skandinavienkai, the old town and the Bay of Lübeck
- High-water mark from the storm surge of 1872
Permanent exhibitions
- Maritimes Museum zur Leuchtfeuertechnik – Exhibition across eight floors with lightship models, marine lanterns, historic lighting systems and information on the region's lighthouses.
- Founded
- 2004
Admission & discounts
| Adults | €4 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | €2Children up to age 14 |
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: not available
- Elevator: not available
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Historic tower with 142 steps, not accessible. Dogs are not allowed in the tower (no exception for assistance dogs stated).
Kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 30 min |
|---|
- Stroller-friendly: not available
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Trelleborgallee · 3-min walk
Bus to the Trelleborgallee stop (2–3-minute walk); regional train to Lübeck-Travemünde Strand (approx. 10-minute walk).
By car
Paid parking
Paid municipal parking at Am Leuchtenfeld and in the large Leuchtenfeld parking lot, a few minutes' walk away; fees via parken-luebeck.de.
Amenities & dining
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this – please ask the museum directly.
Plan your visit
| Audio guide | yes (DE, EN) |
|---|---|
| Good to know | Free audio guide (German/English), also available to listen to online. Allow about 20–30 minutes for the museum and the climb. |
