The lighthouse of Texel

The Eierland lighthouse stands at the northern tip of Texel, close to the village of De Cocksdorp, and it is the island's best known landmark. The name Eierland comes from the area itself: this northern corner was once a separate island, and it was joined to Texel by a dike in the seventeenth century, which created the polders that now lie behind the dunes. The lighthouse was built in 1864 to guide ships through the dangerous waters at the entrance to the Wadden Sea, where shifting sandbanks and strong currents have caused many wrecks, and it is still an active light.

The tower is painted red and white, and it rises well above the dunes, at roughly thirty-five metres. Visitors can climb the stairs inside to a viewing gallery that looks out in several directions. From the top you see the North Sea to the north and west, the Wadden Sea to the south and east, and the island of Vlieland across the water, with the flat polders and the dune belt of Texel spread out below. On a clear day the view is one of the most rewarding on the island, and it gives a good sense of how narrow and open the land is. The climb is steep in places, so it is not suitable for everyone.

The lighthouse has a connection with the end of the Second World War. In the spring of 1945, after Germany had capitulated on the mainland, a revolt by Georgian soldiers serving in the German forces on Texel led to weeks of fighting across the island, and the lighthouse was damaged in the battle. The conflict is remembered locally as the last battle of the war in Europe, and displays in the tower give some of the background alongside the stories of the lighthouse keepers. Opening hours are seasonal, with the tower usually open daily in summer and on fewer days in the autumn, so check before going, and note that tickets can often be booked online.

The surroundings are worth exploring. The dunes and beach near the lighthouse are quiet compared with the busier parts of the island, and a walk or cycle ride from the tower along the coast is enjoyable. The Dunes of Texel National Park, the beaches of Texel, the Ecomare seal sanctuary and visitor centre, horseriding, kitesurfing and the pick-your-own farms are other attractions across the island.

The lighthouse suits families, history fans, photographers and anyone who enjoys a good view. Go on a clear day, and bring a windproof jacket, since it is always breezy at the top.