Name and Location

The Vuurbaak is a mid-20th-century navigational beacon located in Katwijk aan Zee, municipality of Katwijk, province of Zuid-Holland, Netherlands. Its address is Vuurbaakplein, 2225 JB Katwijk aan Zee.

Construction and History

The Vuurbaak was erected in 1953 to replace earlier temporary lights on the Katwijk coast. It was constructed as part of post-war reconstruction needs and advances in automatic lighting. The structure has been maintained by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (Rijkswaterstaat) since its commissioning.

Architecture and Materials

The Vuurbaak is a special-purpose seamark beacon with a height of 14 meters. Its construction materials are not officially recorded, but typical of the era would be reinforced concrete or brick faced with render. The tower has a small lantern or light mounted at the top and no keeper's quarters attached.

Light and Navigation

The Vuurbaak serves as a fixed daymark and night-time light for local coastal navigation approaching Katwijk aan Zee. Its seamark type is beacon_special_purpose, with a colour of white and shape of tower. The light characteristic, focal height, and nominal range are not publicly documented.

Accessibility and Visiting

The Vuurbaak is easily viewed from the Vuurbaakplein and adjacent promenade along the North Sea coast. Public access to the tower itself is restricted, but visitors can view it from outside. Access by foot or car is available via the Katwijk aan Zee boulevard.

Notable Views and Landscape

The flat coastal landscape offers unobstructed views of the North Sea to the west and dunes stretching both north and south of Katwijk aan Zee. The surrounding area features nearby attractions such as the Katwijks Museum, beach pavilions, and coastal cycling and walking routes.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No notable anecdotes or folklore are recorded about the Vuurbaak.

Technical and Operational Details

The Vuurbaak is fully automated and has no on-site lighthouse keepers. It is managed by Rijkswaterstaat (Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management) and its maintenance status is not listed as a Rijksmonument (national heritage site).

Further Information

For further information, please refer to the following sources: BAG (Basisregistratie Adressen en Gebouwen), object 537100000027961; Dutch OpenStreetMap / OpenTopo data, way/32862906; NL Wikipedia article: nl:Vuurbaak van Katwijk aan Zee; Wikidata entry: Q2259688.