Zuidertoren, Lighthouse and communication tower in Schiermonnikoog, Netherlands.
The Zuidertoren is a 35 meter (115 ft) cast iron tower on the island of Schiermonnikoog, built as a lighthouse and later converted to serve other functions. Its white cylindrical body is topped by a gallery ring and a lantern, giving it a recognizable outline against the open sky.
The tower was built in 1854 on the orders of King William III to guide ships through the surrounding waters. It served as a lighthouse for over fifty years before losing that role in 1909, after which it was used for water supply and later for telecommunications.
The name Zuidertoren simply means "South Tower" and refers to its position on the southern part of the island. The white structure stands out against the flat surroundings and acts as a familiar reference point for anyone walking across the island.
The tower stands in flat terrain and is easy to spot from a distance, making it straightforward to reach on foot or by bike. Access to the inside may be limited, so it is worth checking with local sources before heading there.
Unlike most lighthouses of its time, which were built from stone or brick, this tower is made entirely from cast iron, which was an unusual choice for a structure of that height in the mid-19th century. That made it one of the earlier examples of cast iron used on this scale in the Netherlands.
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