From the middle of the last century, lighthouses were built as a warning for sailors as well as sea marks as navigation aid, to prevent the many sailing ships from sinking along the west coast.
Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse
If you did not already know Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse in Lønstrup, then it became almost world famous in 2019, as it was decided to move the heavy lighthouse 70 meter away from the coast, because after many years of severe storms the lighthouse was dangerously close to falling into the sea. On an autumn day and with a large rush of both the local population and the Danish as well as foreign media, the 30 meter high lighthouse was moved smoothly further inland and thus secured 10-20 more years in safety. The area around Rubjerg Knude is one of the most visited tourist places in Northern Jutland and it is a great experience to go upstairs and enjoy the amazing view over the coast and the sea.
The lighthouse is placed within the impressive wandering dune, which is at the highest point about 100 meter over the sea and consists of an approximately 40 meter layer of drifting sand. The wind looses sand grain from the dune and blows it over the edge, where it is deposited and causes the dune to grow. The nature has created a phenomenon that can only be experienced here.
The lighthouse was built in 1900 and placed on the highest point and 200 meter away from the coast. But only a short time after completion, the problems of the sand drift began. The kitchen garden of the lighthouse keeper sanded up and the dune on top of the coast grew in height, so that ships could not see the light of the lighthouse or hear the foghorn. For many years they tried to keep the sand away from the lighthouse by driving huge amounts of drifting sand away but in 1968 they surrendered the fight against nature and closed down the lighthouse.
In 2016, the lighthouse got renovated to create better conditions for the many visitors. A staircase was made, so that it is now possible to go up to the top of the lighthouse and enjoy the view. Moreover, an impressive kaleidoscope was produced, which rises all the way up through the lighthouse and gives beautiful reflections.
