Lange Jaap

The Lange Jaap, also known as Kijkduin Light or Den Helder Light, is an active lighthouse located near Fort Kijkduin in Huisduinen, Netherlands.

History

• Construction on the tower began in 1876 and was completed by 1878.
• For almost a century, from 1878 to 1974, it was the tallest lighthouse in the Netherlands.

Architecture

The Lange Jaap is a conical, cast-iron lighthouse with a distinctive red color. It stands at a height of 63.5 metres (208.2 ft) and has a focal height of 57 metres (187 ft). The tower features a 16-sided design, making it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Netherlands.

Light Characteristics

The Lange Jaap is equipped with a first-order Fresnel lens that emits a white light with a range of 30 nautical miles. The light has a distinctive sequence pattern, characterized by a series of flashes at regular intervals.

Current Status

The tower itself has been closed to the public since 1998 due to safety concerns. However, an area with a radius of 70 meters around the lighthouse has been fenced off since September 2021, following concerns that the tower may topple over.

Location and Accessibility

The Lange Jaap is located at Zeeweg 5 in Den Helder, Netherlands. The site was once open to visitors, but due to safety concerns, access to the tower itself is restricted. Visitors can still view the lighthouse from a distance, but must remain outside of the fenced-off area.

Heritage Status

The Lange Jaap has been designated as a national monument in the Netherlands and is listed on the Rijksmonumenten Informatiebank (RMI) database. It is also recognized by The Lighthouse Directory as one of the tallest non-skeletal cast-iron lighthouses in the world.

Notable Historical Events

The Lange Jaap has played an important role in maritime history, serving as a navigational aid for ships entering the Dutch port of Den Helder. Its distinctive light has guided mariners safely into harbor for generations.

The Lighthouse Directory