Back in the Grand Harbor - The lightship NORDERNEY I

The historic lightship NORDERNEY, a fascinating testimony to maritime history, has found its home port at the Wilhelmshaven Coastal Museum after more than a century of eventful history. Originally commissioned in 1907 as one of two identical ships for the Norderney station, the NORDERNEY can look back on an impressive career. After decades of faithful service as a floating navigation mark in the German Bight, most recently at the Weser station, a new phase of the ship's life began in Wilhelmshaven in 1982.

Experience coastal history

In the interior of the ship, visitors experience an exciting journey through time that sheds light on the significance of the navigational aids, provides insights into the technology and history of the lightship and impressively traces the life of the crew on board. Vivid exhibits, detailed graphics, captivating audio contributions and interactive applications create a special experience.

The exhibition offers exciting insights into life on board and the history of this special type of ship for both seafaring nostalgics and curious landlubbers. The lightship NORDERNEY is more than just a museum ship - it is a living piece of coastal history and a new landmark for Wilhelmshaven.

From sea mark to museum ship

The NORDERNEY went through various phases:

1907-1939: Service on the Norderney station
1939-1981: Service on various stations, most recently "Weser"
1982-2014: Repurposed as a hotel and restaurant ship
Since 2024: Museum ship at the Wilhelmshaven Coastal Museum

After extensive restoration, the lightship now presents itself in new splendor as the first exhibit of the planned museum harbour. It proudly bears the new station name "Wilhelmshaven" on its side.

Ship name: NORDERNEY I

Station name: WILHELMSHAVEN

Home port: Wilhelmshaven

Owner: City of Wilhelmshaven

Operator: Küstenmuseum Wilhelmshaven

Use: Museum and exhibition ship

Mooring: At Bontekai in the Great Harbor
(North Gazelle Bridge on the Ems-Jade Canal)

Refurbishment: 2021 - 2024

Openings

April 4 to October 31 | Tuesday - Sunday | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Dayoff: Monday

Price info

Entrance ship:

Adults: 5 €
Reduced I (children 6-15 years): € 2.50
Reduced II (pupils aged 16 and over, students, trainees, unemployed, disabled persons from 80 %, pensioners): € 3.50
Family ticket: €12.50 (2 adults with children)

Combined ticket (museum and boat):

Adults: €8
Reduced I (children 6-15 years): 5 €
Reduced II (pupils from 16, students, trainees, unemployed, disabled from 80 %, pensioners): 6 €
Family ticket ship : 21 € (2 adults with children)

Annual ticket:
30 € per person

Eligibility