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Tonnenbank Lighthouse

VQ White 3s🇩🇪Küstengewässer einschließlich Anteil am Festlandsockel, DEOperational

Location & Light Range

About Tonnenbank Lighthouse

Built in 1972, Tonnenbank is a 10-meter-high concrete caisson structure located 1 km northwest of the former Peenemünde air force base. It supports two antenna masts and displays a very quick flashing white light. Originally constructed by the East German government, its primary function was to aid air traffic control for the military facility. Following the base's conversion to a civilian airport, its initial purpose ceased, though it remains an active aid. The site is accessible by boat, but the structure itself is closed to the public.

Why it matters: Tonnenbank is notable for its original design as an East German air traffic control structure, a distinct deviation from typical maritime navigation aids.

Light & Optic

Characteristic Signature
VQ White 3s
Flash Type
Very Quick
Light Color
White
Interval
3s
Raw Code
VQ W
Focal Height
10m
Geographic Range
10.4NM

Construction & History

Year Built
1972

Significant events: Built for East German air traffic control; original purpose discontinued after base became civilian airport

Visiting

Open to public
Site open, tower closed

Nearby Vessels

Flag
Type
Name
Dist.

Tower & Structure

Tower Height
10m
Tower Shape
cylindrical
Tower Color
white
Material
concrete

Structure: round concrete caisson carrying two antenna masts

Location

City
Küstengewässer einschließlich Anteil am Festlandsockel
Country
🇩🇪Germany
Region
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Sea Region
Located in the water 1 km northwest of the former Peenemünde air force base, now a civilian airport, off the coast of Germany.
Latitude
54.1730°
Longitude
13.7500°

References & Identifiers

Nearest Port
Peenemunde(2.4 km)
Admiralty No.
C2659.03.
NGA No.
5944
ARLHS No.
FED-312
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Frequently Asked Questions

How do mariners identify Tonnenbank Lighthouse at night?+
Tonnenbank displays the characteristic VQ White 3s. Each lighthouse has a unique flash pattern published in the List of Lights, allowing mariners to positively identify it and distinguish it from other navigation aids in the area. The white color may indicate a specific sector or warning zone.
Which ports and harbors does Tonnenbank Lighthouse guide vessels into?+
Tonnenbank Lighthouse assists vessels approaching 5 nearby ports. The closest is Peenemünde at 2.3 NM to the SSE. Other ports served include KROSLIN (3.1 NM S), Lubmin (5.3 NM WSW), Vierow (6.6 NM WSW), Viewrow (6.8 NM WSW). Mariners should consult the relevant chart for full approach and pilotage information.
Is Tonnenbank Lighthouse still active and maintained?+
Yes, Tonnenbank Lighthouse is currently operational. It is actively maintained and continues to emit its characteristic light signal for marine navigation. Most modern lighthouses are automated and monitored remotely by the national maritime authority.
What shipping routes pass near Tonnenbank Lighthouse?+
Tonnenbank Lighthouse is located within the Baltic Sea trade route — a vital shipping corridor for trade between Scandinavian, German, Polish, and Baltic state ports. This makes it an important navigation reference for commercial shipping traffic in the region.
How can I track vessels near Tonnenbank Lighthouse?+
You can track vessels near Tonnenbank Lighthouse in real time using MarineRadar. The platform shows live AIS positions of ships in the area, including vessel name, type, flag, speed, and course. Use the "Track Vessels Nearby" button on this page to open the live map centered on this lighthouse.