The lighthouse was built to display a directional light and became obsolete when a shorter channel was cut south of Borkum Island. It has been inactive since 1915. Maintained between the World Wars as a daybeacon, the lighthouse was effectively abandoned at the start of World War II and became a rusted wreck by the 1960s. In 1973 the exterior was restored and painted with its present colorful pattern (originally the lighthouse was all red, later red in the lower 2/3 and yellow above). Another restoration in 1984 included replacement of the roof and ventilator ball. A complete restoration was carried out in 1997-98.

ARLHS Number: FED 018
Build: 1891
Construction: cast iron
Height: 11 m