Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse

Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse

I have been always fascinated by lighthouses, as probably most of the people are. It is comforting to know that in the middle of the storm you might find a light to give you the right direction, to guide you to the safe harbour. I have been lucky enough to meet several lighthouses in my life, not only the real ones but, I mean, the angels who provide you with the proper support in the proper moment. Some of them were just a short meeting by chance, some of them went away forever, yet still very present in my heart and memories. Few luckily are still there and I consider myself blessed for that.

Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse
Rubjerg Knude Lighthouse

There is a very peculiar lighthouse in Denmark, on the top of Lønstrup Klint (cliff), 60 metres above sea level. It has fought not only against the strong weather but also the shifting sands and coastal erosion. The coast is eroded on average 1.5 metres a year. The lighthouse ceased operating on 1 August 1968. For some years, the buildings were used as a museum and coffee shop, but continually shifting sands caused them to be abandoned in 2002. I visited the area in May 2008, the small buildings around it were completely covered by the sand, which severely damaged them due to its pressure. The lighthouse was still up by the way, like an old and proud guardian.

It was expected that the tower would fall into the sea by 2023; however, works to relocate the lighthouse started on 14 August 2019, and on 22 October 2019 the 23 metres high lighthouse, weighing 720 tonnes, was moved 70 m inland on specially built rails. The move is expected to secure the future of the lighthouse at least until around 2060.

I love to think it will last even longer.