Lighthouse height: 22 m
Beacon height: 19.7 m above sea level
Range: 15 nautical miles
Geographical location: 54^o 26' 30'' N, 16^o 22' 54'' E
Beacon characteristic: 2+2+2+9=15 s

Darłowo Lighthouse was built at the base of the eastern breakwater on the estuary of the River Wieprza into the Baltic Sea. Its purpose was to guide vessels safely to the port at Darłowo. The lighthouse is in fact situated in Darłówek Wschodni, now a well-known holiday resort; while Darłowo is occupied chiefly in the fishing industry and sailing.

The growth of the port at Darłowo was connected with development of the fortified settlement there, which was granted a municipal charter in 1270. The fact that already in 1412 this borough became an independent member of the Hanseatic League shows how important Darłowo was. Originally it was a fortress, and only later did its significance as a commercial centre evolve. Since this also involved maritime trading, the port grew in importance as Darłowo expanded. In the early 15th century the port at Darłowo and its sea trade were flourishing, but by the first half of the 17th century progress was halted in outcome of the Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648). When this war came to an end Darłowo became part of Prussia and its port rose in status.

Gradually the importance of the port at Darłowo increased, and there was more and more shipping coming in. It became necessary to make the sea channels safe for the vessels using them, which could be done by setting up a system of daylight and luminous signalling. The earliest record of a lighthouse at Darłowo goes back to 1715, when a lighting system was arranged on either side of the estuary (F. Böhmer, Geschicte der Stadt Rügenwalde, Stettin, 1900). However, there are no exact data available on this first lighthouse.

What is certain is that in 1885 a small one-storey pilothouse was erected at the base of the eastern breakwater. This structure was built in red brickwork, with an adjoining square tower on the south. On its second floor there was a room for the pilot on duty, whose task was to observe the roadstead and keep the lighthouse which showed the way into the port. The lamp and Class Four lens was positioned in a window at a height of 12.2 m. It had a constant red beam of light, with a range of 6 nautical miles.

In 1899 the lens was exchanged for a cylindrical, catoptric device, an enhancement by two classes. From the descriptions of the light we know that in 1904 the luminous characteristic was changed. The lighthouse now had a white, flashing beam.

To increase the lighthouse’s range, in 1927 the tower was extended by another storey, and on top of this a lantern was installed with a white steel dome and a gallery around it. The whole construction was now 22 m high. A prismatic optical device consisting of thirteen shielding segments was set up in the lantern, and it was equipped with a changer system for two 1 kW light-bulbs. The lighthouse was still working using this set-up until recently.

In 1996 the input for the light source was modernised, guaranteeing continuous operation for up to a week even in the event of a power failure. The light is now provided through a 100W halogen lamp in an automatic six-lamp changer device. The optical system has not been changed. A reserve (buffer) power supply is provided by a set of accumulator batteries to keep the lighthouse operating if the mains supply should fail, which switches on automatically if the mains voltage drops. The characteristic has been changed, too, from 1 + 2 + 1+ 11 = 15 s, to 2 + 2 + 2 + 9 = 15 s, that is the duration of the cycle has been preserved but with longer flashes between the resting intervals.

Owing to its location Darłowo Lighthouse has exceptionally inauspicious atmospheric conditions. Despite the strong reinforcements on the breakwater, often the entire structure is battered by water and flooded during storms, while in winter its northern walls are icebound. That is why the seaward wall, originally built of ceramic brick like the other walls, later had a supplementary layer of brick and lime-and-concrete facing added. Now the overall thickness of the northern wall, following this reinforcement, is 54 cm. The damage caused by the continuous barrage with seawater, bringing about damp and salination, was bad enough to have the lighthouse closed to visitors until the general overhaul was completed.

In the 1960's an annex was put up on the eastern side of the lighthouse to provide quarters for the construction workers coming in for the overhaul. This outhouse, built in the style of the lighthouse, is not cellared and has not altered the general appearance of the lighthouse.

In 1997 the Szczecin Division of Urząd Morski (Maritime Authority) drafted the documentation for a general overhaul of Darłowo Lighthouse, and part of the project was completed in 1998. The job entailed the drying of the lighthouse walls and the strengthening of the northern wall with an additional layer of clinker bricks. Inside the building the electrical installation, water supply and drains were exchanged; the roof was repaired; new door and window frames were put in; and the lighthouse staff facilities were enhanced. Unfortunately the external part of the general overhaul for the building and tower was not carried out, and the walls are still susceptible to damp. In 1999, following management changes in the maritime authorities, the lighthouse passed to the Słupsk Division. Thanks to the activities of an organisation of lighthouse enthusiasts called Stowarzyszenie Miłośników Latarń Morskich, in August 2000, after the restoration of the staircase in the tower, Darłowo Lighthouse was opened to the public. From that moment on visitors to the area have been able to admire both the lighthouse and the splendid sea views which are to be had from the gallery on its tower.

We should all be pleased that the lighthouse has been saved with its original architecture intact, and also that the idea to demolish it never crossed any decision-maker’s mind, which is what happened in 1978 to the historic drawbridge that once connected the eastern part of Darłówko with its western part. A historic landmark famous throughout Europe, it was one of the just four such wooden bridges of its kind, and the only one still in use, on the whole continent, before it was dismantled and removed. All that remains of the bridge is a picture by an amateur artist, which may be seen in the lighthouse.

To reach Darłowo Lighthouse from the town centre of Darłowo, take the road for Darłówek Wschodni. Once there, take the road for the drawbridge, and then along the eastern bank of the Wieprza out towards the coast. At the end of the windbreak you will see a red brick building with a white tower. This is Darłowo Lighthouse. You can also reach the lighthouse from Darłówek Zachodni over the drawbridge, of course if it doesn’t happen to be pulled in to allow shipping in and out of the port.