Name and Location

The Low Light, also known as Het Lage Lich in Dutch, is a small harbour lighthouse located on the south bank of the Nieuwe Maas in central Rotterdam. The exact address is Schiedamsedijk 44, 3011 VZ Rotterdam, Netherlands. It sits in the Centrum (Stadsdriehoek) borough and is part of the province of Zuid-Holland.

Construction and History

The Het Low Light was built in 1968 and replaced an earlier wooden beacon serving a similar purpose. Although its exact construction era is documented as late 20th century, no records indicate significant changes or renovations since then.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse has a slender, cylindrical tower with a small lantern room at the top. Its height from base to top of the lantern is approximately 16 meters. The materials used in its construction are not publicly documented, but it is likely made of steel or pre-cast concrete and painted white.

Light and Navigation

The Low Light marks the southern side of the entrance to Leuvehaven and the inner port basins. Its light characteristic is speculated to be Fl(2) W 10 s (flashing two times every 10 seconds). The range of its light is approximately 8 nautical miles, typical for harbour minor lights.

Accessibility and Visiting

The public can access the exterior of the lighthouse on foot or by car along Schiedamsedijk. Visitors may view and photograph it at any time but cannot enter the lantern room. The nearest metro/tram station is Leuvehaven (RET lines 7, 8).

Notable Views and Landscape

The Het Low Light sits on a quay facing the river Nieuwe Maas, offering views of passing container ships, the Erasmus Bridge, and the skyline of Rotterdam Centrum. Adjacent attractions include the Maritime Museum Rotterdam (a 10-minute walk) and Hotel New York across the river.

Anecdotes and Folklore

Local mariners still refer to the pair "Hoge en Lage Licht" when giving directions in the inner port, even though only one light remains today.

Technical and Operational Details

The lighthouse is fully automated since its commissioning and does not have a resident keeper. There are no known co-located radar or AIS-transceiver installations; nearby harbour monitoring operated by the Port of Rotterdam Authority.

Further Information

For more information, visit the Dutch Hydrographic Service chart 1801 (Port of Rotterdam – Nieuwe Maas), UK Admiralty Chart A6011, or the Wikipedia article on lights around the Nieuwe Maas.