Description
High above the coastal landscape in the north of Hiddensee, the Dornbusch lighthouse towers high above the island panorama. As the highest lighthouse on the German Baltic coast, today it is not only a nautical signal, but also one of the island's most photographed landmarks.
High up on the Schluckswiek ridge in the north of Hiddensee, the Dornbusch lighthouse towers over the island – a destination that can only be reached on foot or by bike. The 25-minute trail leads through the highlands near Kloster and also passes the "Inselblick" viewpoint, which lives up to its name. It's worth taking a short break here to enjoy the sweeping views and take your first souvenir photo.
Once at the top, 102 steps await you inside the 27.5-metre-high tower – rewarded with an impressive panorama: the view sweeps over Hiddensee, the Bodden landscape and, on a clear day, even as far as the Danish island of Møn. A permanent exhibition invites visitors to learn more about the history and technology of the beacon.
Important: The ascent is steep in places and requires a certain level of fitness – sturdy footwear is therefore strongly recommended.
Historical Information
The lighthouse was built on the "Schluckswiek" ridge in 1887/88 and stabilized with a reinforced concrete shell in 1929. For decades, its light showed shipping the way – some 45 km out into the Baltic Sea. Germany's last lighthouse keeper was on duty here until 1998, before operations were automated. The lighthouse has been open to visitors since 1994.
How to get there
The lighthouse is located above the village of Kloster in the north of the car-free island of Hiddensee. If you are traveling by car, it is best to park in Schaprode on Rügen, where there are several parking options near the harbour. From there, ferries regularly take you to Hiddensee. Alternatively, ferry connections from Stralsund or Wiek are also possible.
It is also easy to get there by public transport: From Stralsund main station, you can walk or take the bus to the port, from where you can take the ferry. In the high season, buses also run to Schaprode harbor, for example from Bergen auf Rügen or Sassnitz.
Once you arrive on the island, you can continue without a car – on foot or by bike. From the harbor in Kloster, a well-signposted 25-minutepath leads up to the lighthouse.