Nieuwe Sluis lighthouse

The Nieuwe Sluis lighthouse in Breskens is a cast-iron tower on the coast of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen, the part of Zeeland south of the Western Scheldt, and it is widely described as the oldest surviving cast-iron lighthouse in the Netherlands. It was built in 1866 and 1867, designed by the architect and engineer Quirinus Harder, who produced a number of iron lighthouses for the Dutch coast. The slender tower rises above the dunes and has guided ships for more than a century and a half.

The technology of cast iron was an important advance in the nineteenth century. The tower is made of prefabricated sections that were cast in a foundry, transported to the site and bolted together, which was quicker and cheaper than building a masonry tower and allowed the structure to resist wind and weather. The result is a light, elegant form with an octagonal shape and a lantern at the top, and the contrast between the dark metalwork and the sandy surroundings gives it a striking presence on the skyline.

The location is vital to shipping. The Western Scheldt is the estuary through which ships pass on their way to the port of Antwerp in Belgium, one of the busiest in Europe, and the entrance is dangerous because of shoals and strong currents. Lighthouses and other aids to navigation have marked the channel for centuries, and the Nieuwe Sluis tower is part of that system. Large container ships and tankers can often be seen passing near the shore, and the sight of their slow progress is a pleasure for those who stand on the beach.

Breskens is a small fishing town and seaside resort, with a harbour, a fish auction, restaurants serving fresh seafood and a long beach. A passenger ferry connects it with Vlissingen on the north bank of the estuary, offering a short and scenic crossing. The seafront and beach are a pleasant place for a walk, and the town has cafes and shops. The dunes behind the beach are protected and good for walking.

The lighthouse suits photographers, lighthouse enthusiasts and families on a beach holiday. It is usually viewed from the outside, and access to the inside may be limited, so check before going. Take a jacket for the wind and enjoy the view of passing ships.