Vuurtoreneiland

Vuurtoreneiland is a small island located in the IJmeer, Netherlands, just off the coast of Durgerdam. The island is home to a lighthouse, which has been in operation since 1700, and is named for the opposite point on the mainland, Hoek van 't IJ, or Corner of the IJ. The current lighthouse is a cast-iron construction built in 1893, standing at 19.5 meters tall with an octagonal skeletal tower and an enclosed observation room, balcony, and lantern.

The island has a rich history, having been equipped with a military post in 1809, which was later expanded to a fort in 1844. The fort was part of the Stelling van Amsterdam and was used until the 1930s. In the late 19th century, a bomb-proof building and artillery battery were built on the island, but the guns were moved to Den Helder in 1904. The island was listed as a Rijksmonument in 1981 and is now owned by the Dutch state and managed by Staatsbosbeheer.

Today, Vuurtoreneiland is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open to visitors, with a restaurant on the island and a daily ferry service from Amsterdam. The lighthouse was rekindled in 2005 after being extinguished in 2003, and the island is a popular destination for those interested in history, nature, and architecture. The lighthouse's distinctive black tower, white observation room and lantern, and red lantern dome make it a recognizable landmark in the area.

Light and tower

It has an octagonal skeletal tower with enclosed observation room, balcony and lantern tower. The tower is built of cast iron. Its daymark is black tower, white observation room and lantern, red lantern dome. The light has a focal height of 18 metres. The light has a range of 14 nautical miles. Its light characteristic is Oc WR 5s (14). It was first lit in 1893. It is managed by Staatsbosbeheer.

Videos

Het Vuurtoreneiland 🗺️ | | Zing met Zappelin | NPO Zappelin