The New Lighthouse is Borkum's most recognizable landmark — a tall, slender brick tower visible from almost anywhere on the island and from ships well out to sea. Built in 1879 to replace the inadequate old tower, it guided vessels navigating the tricky shallows between the East Frisian Islands and the mainland, where sandbanks and tidal channels shift over time.
Visitors can climb the internal staircase to a viewing platform near the top. The panorama takes in the whole island — the dune landscape, the town, the salt marshes on the south side, and on a clear day the Dutch coast — and gives you a real sense of Borkum's position at the mouth of the Ems. The lighthouse is located on the northwest side of the island, a short walk or bike ride from the town centre. Open to visitors in season; hours and entry fee apply.