The Texel Lighthouse, often simply called the Texel Lighthouse, is not only a navigation beacon for ships, but also a symbol of the island's rich maritime history. Situated on the northernmost tip of the island near De Cocksdorp, this historic tower offers a fascinating view of both the North Sea and the Wadden Sea.

The construction of the lighthouse
The history of the lighthouse begins in the 19th century, when the importance of a navigation point on the northernmost part of Texel became increasingly clear. Due to the dangerous waters and frequent shipping accidents in this part of the North Sea, it was decided to build a lighthouse. The tower was designed by the famous Dutch architect Quirinus Harder and construction started in 1863. Only a year later, in 1864, the tower was completed and began to shine its light over the sea.

A role in the war
The lighthouse not only served as a guide for ships, but also played a significant role during World War II. In 1940, the tower was occupied by German troops, who used it as part of the Atlantic Wall. The tower was reinforced and converted into an important lookout and defense post. In the final days of the war, the tower was badly damaged by fighting during the Georgian Uprising, a unique military uprising of Georgian soldiers against their German commanders on Texel.

The reconstruction and renovation
After the war, the lighthouse was badly damaged and partly destroyed. Instead of demolishing the tower completely, a new skin was built around the old core, making the lighthouse both a literal and figurative bastion of resistance and reconstruction. The lighthouse was put back into service in 1948 and has since undergone some minor renovations to improve safety and technology.

A tourist attraction
Today, the Texel Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can climb the 118 steps to enjoy a breathtaking panorama that stretches from Vlieland in the northwest to the Dutch coast in the southeast. The view offers a unique perspective on the separation between the North Sea and the Wadden Sea, and the surrounding nature.

The lighthouse stands not only as a monument to navigation and safety, but also as a witness to Texel's turbulent history. It remains a beacon of hope and a reminder of the island's resilience through the ages. A visit to this historic tower is a journey through time and offers a deeper understanding of Texel's struggle and beauty.