Vuurtoren Brandaris West-Terschelling - Lighthouse

The Brandaris lighthouse is a famous lighthouse located on the Dutch island of Terschelling in the province of Friesland. It is the oldest working lighthouse in the Netherlands and has a rich history.

History

The Brandaris was built in 1594, the year in which Willem Barentz his first journey began and was intended as a beacon for shipping on the Wadden Sea. At the time, the Wadden Sea was an important trade route for the Netherlands and the Brandaris was an important navigation point for the ships that used this route. Over the centuries, the Brandaris has withstood many storms and severe weather conditions and has become a symbol of strength and stability.

The history of the Brandaris is closely linked to the history of Terschelling and the Wadden Sea. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Terschelling was used as a base for Dutch pirates who were active in the waters around the North Sea. The Brandaris played an important role in protecting the ships from these pirates and was used to warn other ships about their activities.

During World War II, the Brandaris was occupied by the German occupiers and it was light off the tower. After the liberation, the tower was put back into use and the light of the tower was switched on again. The Brandaris became a symbol of hope and liberation for the inhabitants of Terschelling and the rest of the Netherlands.

55 meter high tower

The lighthouse is made of bricks and has a height of 55 meters. The light from the tower is visible from 40 kilometers away and is interrupted by a short pause every 7.5 seconds. The light of the Brandaris is generated by a rotating lens and is generated by electricity.

Today the Brandaris is a popular tourist attraction on Terschelling. Visitors can climb the tower and enjoy the beautiful view over the island and the Wadden Sea. The lighthouse also houses a museum and an exhibition that tells the history of the Brandaris and shipping on the Wadden Sea.

The Brandaris is not only an important navigation aid for shipping, but also a symbol of Dutch history and culture. It is a symbol of strength, stability and hope for the inhabitants of Terschelling and the rest of the Netherlands. It is also an example of the Dutch innovation and technology that has been applied for centuries to help shipping to be safe and successful on the waters around the Netherlands.