Vuurbaak
The Vuurbaak, also known as Vierboet, is the oldest surviving lighthouse building in the Netherlands after the Brandaris. The tower has a height of 14 metres. After climbing the stairs, you get to the circumference, some 30 metres above sea level.
The tower was built as a beacon for fishermen on the North Sea. At night, wood fires were stoked on the tower. Later, these wood fires on grates were replaced by large oil lamps with reflectors.
After the bomb barges disappeared from the beach (around 1913), the Katwijk Lighthouse became redundant. Therefore, the tower was never equipped with a powerful electric flashing light. The tower is owned by the municipality of Katwijk and is a national monument.
Open to the public
You can look out over the sea from around 30 metres, with The Hague and Scheveningen to the south (20 km) and the Europoort in the background when the weather is clear; Leiden to the east (10 km) and Noordwijk, Zandvoort and IJmuiden and the Hoogovens (35 km) to the north when the weather is good. Of course, Katwijk's new coastal strip is also easy to see.
Opening times
- The Lighthouse is open in June, July and August. When the weather is nice in May or September, the lighthouse may also be open. Tip: Is the flag flying? Then it is open!
Out of season, you can visit the lighthouse by appointment. Contact the Katwijks Museum (071) 401 30 47 to do so.
