Nieuwpoort Lighthouse

The lighthouse, built from 1922 and subsequently destroyed by the Germans in 1944, served as an example for the current building. The lens system of the previous tower, preserved in Paris, was mounted in the new construction. Originally the tower was lit by a gas lamp. The lens system was set in motion by a decreasing weight that had to be picked up manually each time. The tower was later fitted with an electric light installation. An electric motor was also installed that rotated the optical system. The gas lamp and weight system remained for a while as a back-up. The tower was manned from 1946 until the automation in 1963. The lighthouse keeper lived with his family in a detached house with an annex at the lighthouse from December 1, 1948 to October 1, 1963. He was not only responsible for the proper functioning of the tower, but also operated the foghorn and harbor light at the far end of the eastern pier.

A detour to a lighthouse is always worthwhile, especially where the small wooden bridge over the dunes now offers a special view. You can't ride every bike to the tower, because there are deep sand holes on the "street", so be careful and push a bit. :)

The concrete lighthouse is 29 metres high. The structure was painted with two white and red bands so that it can also serve as a landmark during the day. The light is located at 28 metres. The tower gives two red flashes every 14 seconds. To make this possible, a system with Fresnel lenses weighing approximately 150 kg was installed. This system runs on a mercury bath and makes one revolution every 14 seconds. Furthermore, the tower is equipped with a lamp changer that automatically turns away a defective lamp and inserts a new one in the centre of the lens system. There is also a diesel generator available that supplies power when the electricity grid fails. A light sensor ensures that the light automatically comes on when it gets dark and goes out again at dawn. Source: nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vuurtoren_van_Nieuwpoort