Westerstaketsel, Maritime pier in Nieuwpoort, Belgium.
The Westerstaketsel is a pier extending roughly 490 meters into the North Sea with a signal lantern and foghorn positioned at its outer end. The structure provides access for fishing and allows visitors to walk along a path that offers views over the water from a different perspective.
This pier was built around 1865 as a counterpart to another structure on the eastern side of the harbor. It suffered damage during both World War I and World War II, leading to several reconstructions over the following decades.
The pier remains a gathering place for local anglers who practice traditional fishing methods like line fishing and crab netting. These activities form part of the daily routine for people who come here regularly.
To fish on this pier, visitors need to obtain a permit from local authorities, available on a monthly or yearly basis. The walkway is accessible to pedestrians of all abilities, and space is available for those who simply want to stroll and enjoy the views.
A small drinking establishment once stood at the pier's end until a violent storm in 1911 swept it away. Locals still mention this event when recounting the power of the sea in this area.
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