Stilo Lighthouse

The Stilo Lighthouse, located in the village of Osetnik on the Polish Baltic coast, was built between 1904 and 1906 on the initiative of the German Navigation Association. Designed by architect Walter Körte, it stands 33 meters tall, with its light situated at an altitude of 75 meters above sea level. The lighthouse tower features a sixteen-sided base with a diameter of 7.3 meters and is constructed from cast iron plates, making it one of only two entirely metal lighthouses in Poland. The lighthouse was built in response to tragic maritime accidents in the area, where many ships ran aground on sandbanks. Throughout its history, the lighthouse’s lighting technology has evolved: from arc lamps to modern LED sources. A distinctive cultural feature of the lighthouse is its unique color scheme—red, white, and black—which references the flag of the German Empire. In addition to its navigational function, the lighthouse also served maritime communication purposes and participated in rescue operations, including a spectacular mission in 1970. An interesting fact about the lighthouse is that it was the workplace of many keepers, including the first female lighthouse keeper in Poland. In 2006, on the occasion of its centennial, the lighthouse underwent renovation. Today, it is open to visitors and forms part of the local heritage, also being featured in the coat of arms of the Choczewo municipality. The Stilo Lighthouse, a symbol of maritime safety, is a site rich in history and cultural significance, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike.