Cover picture provided by Superbass; License: CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
About 90 meters off the beach at Westermarkelsdorf, a mysterious sloping concrete block juts out of the Baltic Sea. What looks like a giant bathtub plug is actually one of the most curious and charming sights on Fehmarn: the famous Baltic Sea plug. Generations of children have heard the story that if you pull it out, the Baltic Sea will run dry, just like a bathtub.
But behind this inconspicuous steel dolphin, leaning crookedly in the water, lies a fascinating story of seafaring, storm surges, and an icy winter that changed everything. The Baltic Sea plug is not only a popular photo motif for vacationers, but also a testament to Fehmarn's maritime history, which fascinates young and old alike.
Whether you are spending a relaxing day at the beach in Westermarkelsdorf with your family, exploring the island's maritime past as a history buff, or simply looking for an unusual sight, the Baltic Sea plug offers you a perfect blend of fairy tale and history that will enrich your Fehmarn vacation with a special anecdote.
Learn more about the Baltic Sea plug now and read on.
"When you pull out the plug, the Baltic Sea empties, just like a bathtub!" This story has been told to children on Fehmarn for decades, and it is as charming as it is plausible. After all, the crooked concrete block with its circular design actually looks like an oversized bath plug that has been stuck into the Baltic Sea at the wrong angle.
The name “Baltic Sea plug” originated from this similarity to a bathtub plug in popular parlance. Children love this story because it is so wonderful, simple, and easy to imagine. Many families make a special trip to Westermarkelsdorf just to show their children the famous “plug of the Baltic Sea” and tell them the legend.
What makes this story so special is its longevity: it has been passed down for generations, and even today, children's eyes light up when they hear about the mysterious Baltic Sea plug for the first time. The idea that you could empty the entire sea with a single pull of this plug is simply too fascinating not to believe.
But what is really behind this crooked structure in the water? The true story is at least as exciting as the legend, only a little more complicated.
The history of the Baltic Sea plug begins with a problem that plagued shipping off Westermarkelsdorf for decades: ships repeatedly took the wrong course and ran aground off the coast. In foggy conditions and poor visibility, captains confused the Westermarkelsdorf lighthouse with the Fehmarnbelt lightship, which was anchored further north and was supposed to guide ships through the strait.
A dramatic example occurred on Boxing Day 1923: at 10:30 p.m., a coal steamer ran aground behind Westermarkelsdorf. Such accidents were becoming increasingly frequent, and a solution was urgently needed. The authorities recognized that an additional navigational aid was necessary to prevent confusion.
In 1935, action was finally taken: a special gauge was erected off the beach at Westermarkelsdorf, which was intended to serve a dual purpose. Firstly, it was used to measure water levels, which was an important concern given the frequent storm surges on the Baltic coast. Secondly, it was equipped with a warning light that burned at night and in foggy conditions and served as an additional orientation aid for ships.
The power supply for this light came directly from the nearby Westermarkelsdorf lighthouse. The level initially stood straight up in the water and performed its task reliably. But fate had other plans for this practical structure.
The winter of 1942 was to change everything. It was a particularly harsh winter with extreme pack ice piling up off the coast of Fehmarn. The enormous ice masses exerted enormous pressure on all structures in the water. The steel dolphin, anchored four meters deep in the seabed, initially held firm, but gradually tilted to one side. By the end of the icy winter, it had reached the characteristic slant that it still has today.
After this “accident,” the gauge was taken out of service. The slanting position rendered it unusable for its original functions, but paradoxically, it gave it a special charm. Instead of removing it, it remained as a silent testimony to that extreme winter and thus became a tourist attraction.
It is also interesting to note that there used to be a very similar gauge on the east side of Fehmarn, before Staberhuk. However, this has long since disappeared, which makes the Westermarkelsdorf Baltic Sea plug all the more valuable as a historical artifact.
Today, the Baltic Sea plug stands as a striking landmark off the coast of Westermarkelsdorf. The structure consists of a solid steel pile with a distinctive 10-sided concrete crown.
| Technical data | Details |
| Type | Slate steel piles with concrete ring beam |
| Distance from the beach | Approximately 90 meters |
| Concrete ring | 10-sided |
| Anchoring | 4 meters deep in the seabed |
| Coordinates | 54° 31′ 26,6″ N, 11° 2′ 39,6″ O |
| Inclination | Permanently crooked since 1942 |
The visibility of the Baltic Sea plug varies depending on the water level. At low tide, it protrudes more clearly from the water, while at higher water levels it appears more compact. This changing appearance makes it a living element of the coastal landscape.
What immediately catches the eye is, of course, the striking tilt. The dolphin leans significantly to one side, giving it its unmistakable silhouette. It is this “misalignment” that gives it its special character and distinguishes it from other maritime structures.
The concrete ring at the top is still in good condition and demonstrates the solid construction methods used in 1935. Despite almost 90 years of weathering and saltwater exposure, the Baltic Sea plug still stands stable in the water, proof of the robust construction methods used at the time.
The Baltic Sea plug is very easy to reach and is perfect for a spontaneous detour during your vacation on Fehmarn. Drive to Westermarkelsdorf, where you will find a large, free parking lot right on the beach. From here, it is only a short walk across the dike to the beach.
From the beach, you have an unobstructed view of the leaning Baltic Sea plug, which rises out of the water about 90 meters off the coast. The distance is perfect: it is close enough to see the details, but far enough away to admire its striking silhouette against the backdrop of the sea.
A special advantage: The Baltic Sea plug is only about 950 meters away from the famous, listed Westermarkelsdorf lighthouse. You can perfectly combine both sights and enjoy two maritime highlights in one place.
Access is family-friendly and barrier-free all the way to the dike. The Baltic Sea plug is also easily accessible for older visitors or families with strollers. The short distance makes it an ideal attraction for anyone who cannot or does not want to walk far.
The Baltic Sea plug is a rewarding photo motif that offers different charms at different times of the day and seasons. It becomes particularly photogenic in special lighting conditions and weather conditions.
Golden hour and sunsets: As Westermarkelsdorf is located on the northwest coast, the beach is ideal for sunset photos. The Baltic Sea plug in backlight or with a dramatic evening sky in the background makes for particularly atmospheric shots.
Different water levels: Depending on the tide, the Baltic Sea plug appears in different proportions. At low tide, it appears larger and more imposing, while at high tide it blends more harmoniously into the water surface. Both variants have their own charm.
Weather-dependent moods: When the sea is calm, the Baltic Sea plug is reflected in the water and appears peaceful. In stormy weather, however, with waves crashing around the dolphin, dramatic images are created that remind us of its original function as a maritime warning sign.
Seasonal attractions: In summer, the contrast between the blue sky, turquoise water, and the dark Baltic Sea plug is particularly beautiful. In winter, with ice and snow, it takes on a completely different, almost mystical aura, which is particularly fitting when you consider that ice is responsible for its current shape.
The Baltic Sea plug is a popular motif for family photos. Children love to have their picture taken in front of the “real bathtub plug,” and these pictures often become cherished vacation memories.
The Baltic Sea plug is perfect for families with children. The combination of exciting legend and visible “evidence” makes it one of the most child-friendly attractions on Fehmarn.
Children love the story of the Baltic Sea plug because it is so vivid. They can see the “plug,” marvel at its crooked position, and vividly imagine how the Baltic Sea would empty if it were pulled out. This type of playful learning stays in their memories for a long time and makes history tangible.
The big advantage for parents: the visit doesn't take long. Children often have a limited attention span for sights, but the Baltic Sea plug is quickly “worked through” and still a real highlight. You park, walk five minutes to the beach, tell the story, take a few photos, and the sightseeing program for the little ones is complete.
At the same time, the visit can be perfectly combined with a relaxing day at the beach. While the children play on the beach, the adults can enjoy views of the Baltic Sea plug and the lighthouse. This turns a short sightseeing stop into a whole family day at the seaside.
The great advantage of the Baltic Sea plug is its perfect location for combination tours. You don't have to travel there specially, but can explore several sights in one day.
Westermarkelsdorf Lighthouse: Just a few hundred meters away stands the listed lighthouse, which has been complemented by a modern new building since 2021.
Westermarkelsdorf Beach: The natural beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. It is less crowded than the main tourist beaches, but offers an authentic Baltic Sea atmosphere.
Markelsdorf Huk: Not far away is the viewing platform at the Markelsdorf Huk in the “Northern Lake District” nature reserve. A perfect destination for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Coastal bike tour: The Baltic Sea plug can be easily incorporated into a bike tour along the coast of Fehmarn. The route leads through unspoiled landscapes and offers beautiful views of the Baltic Sea.
Village hopping: Combine Westermarkelsdorf with other small towns on the north coast, such as Bojendorf or Katharinenhof. Each has its own character and shows you different facets of the original Fehmarn.
Further down in the southwest, you will also find the Wallnau Bird Sanctuary as well as at the southwestern tip, the Jimi Hendrix memorial stone and the Flügge lighthouse.
At a time when many tourist attractions are overcrowded and commercialized, the Baltic Sea plug is a counter-model: original, authentic, and charmingly unexcited. It shows you that not every attraction has to be big and spectacular to be unforgettable.
The mixture of legend and history makes it special: children can believe in the fairy-tale story of the bathtub, while adults appreciate the historical background. The Baltic Sea plug appeals to all generations and becomes a shared experience for the whole family.
At the same time, it is a perfect example of how a technical “accident” can become a popular tourist attraction. Its characteristic tilt, which is actually a defect, is what makes it the special landmark it is today.
The Baltic Sea plug also represents the relaxed Fehmarn away from the main tourist crowds. Here on the north coast, you can still find the original island life, the authentic Baltic Sea atmosphere, and the tranquility that makes for a truly relaxing vacation.
Then one of our high-quality vacation homes in Burg on Fehmarn or on the south beach is the perfect starting point for your discovery tours. From here, you can easily reach all of the island's sights and return to your cozy vacation home to relax after an eventful day.