Fresh Coat of Paint for the Otto Lighthouse in East Frisia - Pilsum Lighthouse gets a fresh metallic coat to preserve its iconic stripes
The Pilsum Lighthouse in East Frisia has just received a fresh coat of paint. Workers applied a special metallic coating to keep its famous red and yellow stripes bright. The 11-metre-tall structure, a well-known landmark, last underwent repainting in 2020.
The project was timed for winter when fewer visitors are around. The lighthouse, built in 1890, now serves as a tourist attraction and wedding venue rather than a working navigational aid.
Originally commissioned near Emden, the lighthouse guided ships in the Ems estuary with an oil lamp. It was decommissioned in 1918 after silting made it unnecessary. To distinguish it from active lighthouses, authorities painted it in bold red and yellow stripes—a look it has kept ever since.
In the 1980s, plans to demolish the deteriorating structure were abandoned after locals campaigned to save it. Its fame grew further when comedian Otto Waalkes featured it in his 1989 film Otto – The Outsider from East Frisia. Today, it draws thousands of visitors each year, offering panoramic views, maritime history exhibits, and event space.
The latest repainting cost around €7,000, mostly for scaffolding. Funding came from the lighthouse's own bank account, filled by fees from weddings and tourism. A wholesale plumbing supplier also donated toward the work, insisting the stripes remain unchanged. Despite the care, the bottom two rings often need extra attention due to repeated graffiti and sticker vandalism.
Maintenance is handled by the Deichacht Krummhörn, while a local preservation society oversees its daily operations. Couples from North Rhine-Westphalia frequently choose the site for ceremonies, adding to its popularity.
The lighthouse will continue serving as a wedding venue and tourist spot. Its distinctive colours, preserved through regular upkeep, remain a symbol of East Frisia. The next repainting is expected in a few years, depending on wear and weather conditions.
