Westkapelle Hoog, Red brick lighthouse in Westkapelle, Netherlands.
Westkapelle Hoog is a red brick lighthouse rising 52 meters above the North Sea coast in the Netherlands, accessible by internal stairs that lead to an observation deck. The structure has six floors and originally served a different purpose before becoming a navigation aid.
The structure began as a church tower in the 15th century that served as a landmark for sea travelers. After a major fire destroyed the original building, it was rebuilt as a dedicated lighthouse and equipped with a light signal to guide vessels.
The structure reflects the maritime traditions of this coastal region and its dependence on safe passage through these waters. Today it stands as a landmark that shaped how local people relate to the sea and their work on it.
Access to the top requires climbing internal stairs, so comfortable footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are helpful. From the observation deck you can see far across the sea and the surrounding villages below.
The red light beam here was installed based on engineering designs from the early 1800s and continues to operate following that original blueprint. This makes it a rare example of early lighthouse technology that remains fully functional and active.
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