Lake Kemnade Lighthouse

The Leuchtturm Kemnader See stands on a narrow spit of land where the Kemnader See widens between Bochum-Querenburg and Witten-Herbede. It is not an official navigation mark but guides boats into the Witten-Heven harbour on the right side of the channel where the Ruhr and Oelbach rivers meet. A tubular mast on the tower carries sensors for a weather station that records wind and temperature. On the opposite shore a red-and-white striped back-bone beacon rises about four metres high. Its red lantern and matching top mark warn smaller craft to keep clear of the deeper channel. Both structures are painted in bold colours so they stand out against the surrounding water and woodland. Visitors walk along the lakeside path to see the tower and the beacon at close range. The spit offers wide views over the Kemnader See and the hills of the Ruhr valley. In calm weather the reflections of the red and white stripes shimmer on the surface, making a simple but striking scene.