De Hoop Lighthouse

The lighthouse of Vlieland stands on the Vuurboetsduin, a dune on the island's northern side, and it is the highest point on the island. Painted red and built of iron, it is a landmark that can be seen from far across the Wadden Sea, and it is named De Hoop, which means hope. Vlieland is the quietest of the inhabited Dutch Wadden Islands, with just one village, Oost-Vlieland, and it is largely free of cars, which means the lighthouse can be reached on foot or by bicycle along sandy paths.

A lighthouse has been needed here for centuries. The channels between the Wadden Islands were the main route for ships heading to Amsterdam and the ports of the Zuiderzee, and the sandbanks and strong tides made the passage dangerous. Vlieland itself was a base for pilots who guided ships through the channels, and the island's history is full of storms and shipwrecks. The present tower was built in the early twentieth century and has guided ships ever since, though its function has changed with the arrival of modern navigation.

Climbing the tower is possible at set times. A narrow spiral staircase of around fifty steps leads to a balcony, from where the view takes in the dunes, salt marshes, forests and the long beaches of the island, and on clear days, the neighbouring islands of Texel and Terschelling and the coasts of Friesland and North Holland can be seen. The tower is small, and only a few visitors are allowed up at a time, so it may be necessary to wait. Opening hours are limited, with a few slots in the week and at weekends, so check the schedule before you go.

Vlieland offers other attractions. The Vliehors, a huge sand plain at the western end, is the largest area of bare sand in the country and is used by the military for exercises, though it can be visited on organised trips when it is not in use. The dune reserve is excellent for walking, the village has a museum and a church, and the beaches are long and quiet. Cyclists can ride across the island in comfort. The ferry from Harlingen takes about an hour and a half.

The lighthouse suits families, photographers and walkers. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a windproof jacket, and consider cycling or walking from the village. Note that De Cocksdorp Beach, listed nearby, is on Texel, not Vlieland.