Lange Nelle Lighthouse, Maritime lighthouse in Ostend, Belgium
The Lange Nelle Lighthouse is a 65-meter (213-foot) coastal tower in Ostend with an octagonal lower section and cylindrical upper portion, both painted white with blue bands. The structure combines practicality with a clear, recognizable design that stands apart from other harbor buildings.
The lighthouse was built in 1949 as Ostend's fourth tower of its kind, replacing the original structure from 1771. This renewal allowed the city to maintain its vital navigational aid for ships approaching its harbors.
The lighthouse shapes Ostend's harbor skyline and reflects the city's long connection to the sea and shipping traditions. Its white walls with blue bands are visible from across the waterfront and form part of the Belgian coast's visual heritage.
The tower is not open to the public but can be explored from outside and photographed from various points around the harbor. Visitors should remember that the building functions primarily as a working navigational system and its perimeter should be respected.
Inside, 324 steps climb to the top, a steep stairway accessible only to authorized staff. At the summit, advanced Fresnel lenses operate at 65 meters high to guide ships through the night.
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