The 1827 Schinkel tower was built using brick masonry and served as the first lighthouse on the island.
The newer lighthouse was commissioned because the Schinkel tower's light became too faint for modern maritime requirements.
The cliffs beneath the lighthouses are composed of chalk and boulder clay, leading to ongoing geological instability.
A radio tower known as the 'Marinefunkstelle' was part of the Cold War era communications infrastructure located at the site.
The lighthouses were officially decommissioned from their original roles as primary maritime light sources, though one continues to function for coastal navigation.
Cape Arkona features two distinct lighthouses constructed in 1827 and 1902, situated on the northernmost tip of the island of Rügen. The older tower, designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel, serves as a museum, while the newer structure remains an active navigational aid. Visitors can ascend the 35-meter newer tower to access an observation deck overlooking the Baltic Sea and the Wittow peninsula. The site also includes a former military bunker complex and a nearby fishing village, Vitt. It stands on a 45-meter-high chalk cliff prone to erosion, influencing the placement of the structures. The area is part of a designated monument conservation zone that protects both the maritime history and the coastal geology.
The path between the two lighthouses provides the best angle to frame both towers against the sea.
Wear sturdy walking shoes to navigate the unpaved paths connecting the lighthouses and the nearby village of Vitt.
Bring wind-resistant clothing, as the coastal location experiences strong, constant breezes even on clear days.
Check local weather alerts, as high winds can lead to the temporary closure of the observation platforms.
Do not attempt to walk along the base of the chalk cliffs as they are prone to sudden, dangerous rockfalls.
The observation towers are generally closed during extreme weather conditions and winter months.
