Lighthouses - Germany / Federal Republic of Germany 2010 - 55 Euro Cent

In wind and weather, day and night, they have been reliable signposts for shipping on the German coast for over 800 years. From the Jade Bay in the west on the North Sea coast to Usedom on the easternmost section of the German Baltic Sea coast are about 200 beacon buildings. For up to 50 kilometers, the signals of the partly mighty towers radiate out to sea. But there are also small systems with less radiance of the signal. Each beacon is recorded on the nautical charts with a specific light signal sequence, which makes it unmistakable and enables orientation in conjunction with other beacons. The special stamp series "Lighthouses" draws attention to the diversity of German lighthouses. The two current editions show the lighthouse Neuwerk or Falshöft. Falshöft: In contrast to Neuwerk, the lighthouse Falshöft went into operation after just two years of construction. Since November 1909 stands the 24.4 meter high and since 1961 red and white striped lighthouse on the Geltinger bay. But the tower celebrates its 100th birthday this year, because in November 1909 it was simply too cold for a solemn inauguration. At the express wish of his Majesty, the orientation light of Falshöft only shone in 1910. Originally, the fire was powered by petroleum, later with LPG. In 1963, a power cable was laid to Falshöft, so that since then the power was supplied via the power grid and electric light could be used. The beacon was last operated with a 1,000 watt 220-volt incandescent lamp. The white light had a range of 16 nautical miles or nearly 30 kilometers. In 2002 the company was closed, since then the lighthouse is a listed building. And even without beacon, the striking tower is known nationwide: as a fancy place for romantic weddings. In the small, circular tower room 200 to 250 couples a year close the knot.