De Ven, Historic lighthouse in Oosterdijk, Netherlands.
De Ven is a white square brick structure rising 15 meters above the Ijsselmeerdijk, topped with a red lantern at its peak. A viewing balcony near the top allows for views across the surrounding water and landscape.
The tower was built between 1699 and 1700 and was part of a navigation system for ships in this region. After a fire in 1819, the structure was restored around 20 years later.
The name comes from the wetland that once existed here, and visitors can see how this structure reflects traditional Dutch lighthouse construction. Today it stands as a quiet reminder of the region's maritime past along the dike.
The site sits directly on the dike and is easy to reach from the nearby town of Enkhuizen. Clear days are best for visiting if you want to enjoy views from the observation balcony.
Of three original lighthouses that guided ships from the Wadden region toward Amsterdam, this is the only one still standing. Its destruction by fire and subsequent rebuilding make it a rare example of restoration rather than replacement.
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