Pilsum Lighthouse

Pilsum Lighthouse near Krummhörn in East Frisia is one of the most photographed landmarks on Germany's North Sea coast. The small tower with red and yellow rings stands on top of the sea dike and looks almost painted against the flat marshland. It became famous through films and photos rather than through its size. This guide covers how to visit, when you can look inside and what to know before you go.

Why it is famous

The tower was planned in 1883 as one of five leading lights for the lower River Ems, finished in 1890 and put into service on October 1, 1891. It guided ships between Borkum and Emden. During World War I the light was shut down in June 1915 so it would not help enemy ships, and in October 1919 it was decommissioned for good because sandbanks had shifted the shipping channel. It decayed for decades, and demolition was considered in 1972. A restoration in 1973 saved it and gave it the red-yellow-red paint scheme, after it had been solid red. Since 1998 it has belonged to the local dike authority, the Deichacht Krummhörn.

German comedian Otto Waalkes used it in two of his films, and it appeared in a 2003 episode of the TV crime series Tatort. The tower is about 12 meters tall with a focal height of 15 meters, built of riveted sheet steel on a steel frame, with three floors and a copper roof.

Visiting and tours

Entry is free, though donations toward upkeep are welcome. The Nationalpark-Haus in nearby Greetsiel runs tours together with the dike authority. A tour consists of two walks of about 45 minutes each with a 15-minute break. Groups are limited to 20 people, advance booking is not possible, and tours are in German. If you only want a quick look inside, you can enter the tower a quarter of an hour before each tour starts. The meeting point is the lighthouse itself, at Zum Leysiel in Pilsum. Dogs are not allowed in the tower or on the path leading to it. We could not confirm tour dates for October 2026, so ask the Nationalpark-Haus Greetsiel (phone +49 4926 2041) or the tourist office in Greetsiel (moin@greetsiel.de).

Getting there

The lighthouse sits on the dike near the village of Pilsum, in the municipality of Krummhörn, in the northwest corner of Germany close to Emden and Greetsiel. We did not find reliable information on parking or fees, so check with the tourist office. Check Deutsche Bahn and local bus timetables before you travel without a car.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you enjoy coastal landscapes and photography. The tower is small, so plan about an hour including the walk along the dike, longer if you join a tour. It fits well into a day trip along the East Frisian coast.