Kugelbake

Kugelbake is a historic navigational beacon and a prominent landmark in Cuxhaven, Germany. It stands at the northern edge of the town, at the mouth of the Elbe where the estuary meets the North Sea. The name, meaning “ball beacon,” refers to the spherical top that once served as a daymark for ships navigating the shifting coastal waters.

History and role: The site has hosted a beacon since the early 18th century, conceived to aid sailors in the Elbe estuary. The structure has endured years of storm damage and natural erosion, with multiple rebuilds over time. The present form date from the early 20th century, and today the Kugelbake functions primarily as a historic monument and tourist attraction rather than as an active navigational aid.

Structure and features: The Kugelbake is a wooden lattice tower, roughly 30 meters tall, built to support a spherical beacon atop. It stands on the coast at the boundary between the river and the sea and is accessible from nearby coastal paths and a public promenade. The site offers views across the harbor, the Elbe estuary, and the North Sea.

Cultural significance: The Kugelbake is one of the most recognizable symbols of Cuxhaven and the broader North Sea coast. It appears frequently in regional imagery, literature, and tourism materials, and it is a common subject for postcards and photography. The beacon embodies maritime history and serves as a focal point for residents and visitors alike.

Today, Kugelbake remains a protected historical landmark and a popular destination for walkers, photographers, and those interested in the coastal landscape of Lower Saxony.