At the foot of the Urk lighthouse, a nautophone, also known as a fog horn, has stood since 1952: an acoustic navigation aid that regularly emits a deep, low sound during fog to help sailors find their way in areas of poor visibility.
The history of fog signals in Urk begins in 1906 with a fog bell next to the lighthouse. This was replaced in 1918 by an air horn that generated sound using compressed air. Then, in 1952, the modern nautophone was installed, currently located on the stone embankment near the lighthouse.
Although radar and modern navigation equipment have essentially made the fog horn obsolete, this monumental object remains a cultural heritage and a striking landmark in the Urk harbor landscape.
Take the time to admire the nautophone during your walk around the lighthouse and along the cobblestone path. It is a tangible symbol of a former navigational aid—an impressive relic of Urk's maritime history.
Combine this with a visit to the Fishermen's Monument, the Lighthouse, and the beach, and learn more about how people used to sail into the harbor in fog. Ideal in combination with an audio guide or a guide who can tell you more about Urk's nautical traditions.