From time to time, Glückstadt like all other coastal towns, was affected
by strong floods. In 1615, the water created extensive damage on the newly
built dyke. In the 17th and also the beginning of the 18th century there
was a large flood almost every ten years. During these floods the water
would flow through the town destroying much that was in it's path. They
decided to change the construction of the dyke and that helped reduce the
damage caused in the future, as it was stronger. One of the worst floods
was in 1648, and it destroyed part of the church tower. A stone outside
of the church records that the during the flood of 1756 the water was as
high as the water mark on the stone. In 1825, the water was higher than
ever before at 5.52 meters, flooding the town and the surrounding marshes.
Only the floods of 1962 with 5.6 and 1976 with 5.9 meter high water were
worse. With these catastrophes, but comparatively small amounts of damage,
it shows that the dyke has become very strong as it's profile has changed.
