Welcome, lighthouse keeper.
We're glad your Luminous Lighthouse has arrived. You're building one of the very first units, and we'll be there to guide you every step of the way until it lights up for the first time: with the assembly video, tips for each bag, and easy ways to reach us.
Start the assembly video
When you play the video, it is loaded from YouTube.
Tips for Every Bag
Compiled from the experiences of the first lighthouse keepers. Thank you to everyone who wrote to us.
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Bag 1
The connections are intentionally tight so that your lighthouse will be rock-solid later on. If the small pins in steps 5 and 6 don’t fit all the way into the round plate, just lightly sand the pin with fine-grit sandpaper—then the plate will sit flush. This is expressly permitted and does not affect your warranty.
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Bag 2
The crank assembly will wobble until it is connected to both supports. This is by design. When assembling it, press evenly from both sides instead of tilting it—it will be much easier that way.
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Bag 5
Things usually go smoothly here. The video shows you every step.
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Bag 6
Clip 6 is the longest segment in the video—about eight minutes—and, for many, the trickiest. Watch it all the way through before you get started: That way, you'll see exactly where the black paper and the small silver piece go.
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Bag 7
In Bag 7, the electronics and the roof come together. Take your time and plug the cables firmly into the circuit board; otherwise, the small sensor cable will easily slip back out. Make sure no cables get pinched against the lens. The two-tone roof pieces are intentionally designed to fit snugly; if necessary, use fine-grit sandpaper.
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Bag 8
This is where the tower walls come together. The last piece fits the tightest: Take your time and, if necessary, use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth it out. You’ll also decide here whether your lighthouse will be powered by batteries or via USB-C.
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Bag 9
Last but not least, add the base and bottom panels. The last two panels will take a little patience, but once you're done, your lighthouse is complete. If you chose USB-C from Bag 8, this video will show you how to install the connector.
Before You Get Started
One bag at a time
Always open only the bag you're currently building from. The pieces aren't numbered, so this will help you keep track of them.
Video next to the instructions
Keep your cell phone or tablet nearby. Whenever an image in the instructions leaves you with questions, the video will show you how to do it.
Sandpaper within easy reach
The joints are intentionally tight to ensure everything lasts. Fine-grit sandpaper or a small file can help if a part fits very tightly.
A cloth for your fingers
The dark surface may stain your hands slightly during assembly. A cloth or thin gloves will keep your hands clean.
Plan for two or three evenings
Many people take their time building their lighthouse over the course of several evenings. That's exactly how it's the most fun.
A replacement is already included
The package includes replacement parts for the most delicate components. If something does break, we'll send you a replacement free of charge.
Here's How to Make It Shine
Turn the crank
Turn the crank, and the light moves in a circle, just like a real lighthouse.
Choose a light
Tap the top of the spire to switch between warm, cool, and mixed light.
Adjust Brightness
You can also adjust the brightness at the top. The end of the video shows you exactly how.
Is a part broken or missing?
No problem—it happens even to experienced DIYers. Here's how to get back on track quickly:
- First, check your bags: Spare parts for the most delicate pieces are included.
- Can't find it? Request the part from us for free. A photo and the bag number will help us send you the right one right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of batteries do I need?
3 × AAA batteries, if you choose Pouch 8 for batteries. They are not included in the package so that the lighthouse can be shipped to you without having to comply with hazardous materials regulations.
Can I also power the Leuchtturm via USB-C?
Yes. With a compatible USB-C cable and a standard USB power adapter, it stays lit continuously—for example, as a nightlight. In Bag 8, you can choose whether to use batteries or USB-C; the video demonstrates both methods. We’ll include this information in the next edition of the printed manual.
How long does the assembly take?
Expect two to five hours of actual building time. Many people take their time and build at a leisurely pace over several evenings, and that's exactly the right approach.
One part is very tight. Am I doing something wrong?
No. The joints are intentionally tight so that your lighthouse will stand securely later on. Just give it a quick once-over with fine-grit sandpaper, and it'll fit perfectly. This is expressly permitted and does not affect your warranty.
The light won't turn on. What should I check?
First, check the three batteries and make sure they're oriented correctly in the compartment. Then, check that all the cables are securely connected to the circuit board: the small sensor cable sometimes slips out during installation. If it still doesn't light up, send us a photo of the circuit board, and we'll figure out the cause together.
The light stutters when I crank it. What's causing this?
Most of the time, a cable is pinched near the lens, or the pan-tilt head isn't positioned quite straight. Check to see if the cable is clear and if the head can be rotated without resistance. In the video, you can see how the cable runs.
How do I take care of my lighthouse?
The best way to remove dust is with a soft, dry brush. Please do not use water or cleaning agents; the wood has been treated with hard wax oil.
I'm still stuck, though. What do I do now?
That's what we're here for. Send us a message with your bag number, step, and—ideally—a photo, or give us a call. We'll keep at it until your lighthouse is shining.
Did you know?
A lighthouse doesn't flash at all—it rotates: A steady lamp behind a rotating lens sends its beam out across the sea. That's exactly what your crank does.
Every lighthouse has its own pattern of light. This is how sailors can tell at night which lighthouse is right in front of them.
The large lenses of old lighthouses weighed several metric tons and floated on mercury so that a single keeper could turn them by hand.
Show us your lighthouse
We'd love to see any photos of the first time it lit up. Just send it to us and tell us how the construction went.
Personal Assistance
Are you stuck and can't seem to make any progress? That's what we're here for. Write to us or give us a call. We'll keep at it until your lighthouse shines.
