Chełminek

Chełminek
Arial view of the island from the west coast, 2022
Interactive map of Chełminek
Geography
LocationSzczecin Lagoon
Area0.08 km2 (0.031 sq mi)
Highest elevation1.7 m (5.6 ft)
Administration
Poland
VoivodeshipWest Pomeranian
PowiatGoleniów
GminaGmina Stepnica
Demographics
Population0 (2015)

Chełminek (German: Leitholm) is an artificial island in the Szczecin Lagoon. Located between Trzebież and Świętowice, the island is around 0.08 square kilometres (0.031 sq mi) in area and lies roughly 1.7 metres (5.6 ft) above sea level.[1] As of 2015, the island is uninhabited and its infrastructure is mostly overgrown.[2] Entry onto the island is forbidden due to the island now serving as a site for bird conservation.[1]

History

The island was created between 1889 and 1906 by dredging the Szczecin-Świnoujście waterway, located just west of the island. There are two lighthouses on the island, including a house previously occupied by a lighthouse keeper; as well as old narrow-gauge railway tracks and a small marina. During World War II, the island was likely home to German naval commandos, either using it as a training sight or as a testing ground for a new weapon ━ remotely controlled motorboats with explosives. The island received its modern Polish name by decree in 1949.[1][2][3][4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Insel Leitholm / Wyspa Chełminek". berlin.bahninfo.de. Retrieved 21 April 2026.
  2. 1 2 "Wyspa Chełminek - Gmina Stepnica". stepnica.pl. Retrieved 21 April 2026.
  3. ↑ "Wyspa Chełminek". www.trzebiez.pl. Retrieved 21 April 2026.
  4. ↑ "Leitholm". www.baken-net.de. Retrieved 21 April 2026.

Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to Chełminek Island at Wikimedia Commons 53°40′27″N 14°31′51″E / 53.674268°N 14.530798°E / 53.674268; 14.530798