Katwijkse Lighthouse

The Vuurbaak is the old lighthouse of Katwijk aan Zee, a small town on the North Sea coast of South Holland, at the mouth of the Oude Rijn. The name means fire beacon, and it describes the original function. Before the days of electric lights, a beacon of fire or oil lamp placed on a tower at the coast helped fishermen and merchant ships to find the entrance to the river and the harbour, and warned them of the sandbanks that make this coast dangerous. The structure is among the oldest of its kind in the country, dating from the early seventeenth century, and the dunes and the sea behind it have changed greatly since it was built.

The tower is a modest building compared with the tall coastal lighthouses of the nineteenth century, but its age and its position make it a treasured landmark. Katwijk grew from a fishing village, whose boats were drawn up on the beach, and the inhabitants depended on the sea for their living. Many were lost in storms, and a light on the shore was an important source of safety. The lighthouse remained in use through the centuries, passing from oil to more modern lamps, until it was replaced by newer navigation aids. Its preservation was supported by the town, and since the late 1960s it has been opened to visitors in the summer, operated by volunteers connected to the local museum.

Inside, the climb up narrow stairs leads to the top, from where there is a view over the beach, the dunes and the sea, and in clear weather along the coast towards Scheveningen and Noordwijk. Displays in the tower explain the history of the beacon and the development of lighthouse technology, and the volunteers who run it are happy to describe the life of the lighthouse keepers who tended the light. The climb is steep and the space is small, so it is not suitable for everyone, and opening times are limited to the summer season and may depend on staff, so check the schedule before travelling.

The lighthouse is close to the beach and the promenade, so it can be combined with a walk along the sand, a meal at a pavilion and a visit to the Katwijks Museum, which tells the story of the fishing community. The dune reserve behind the town offers walks, and Leiden is a short bus ride away.

The lighthouse suits maritime enthusiasts, families and photographers. A visit takes half an hour. Wear sturdy shoes.