Belgian sea landscape : clouds, lighthouse, waves and wooden pier

Shooting dramatic sky on the North Sea  from the Nieuwpoort Western Staketsel in Belgium; typical marine landscape with dark clouds, waves and changing light

(Browse the collection : West Flanders Province time lapse and video stock footage)

The western mole, built in 1865, has a length of 490 m, whereas the eastern mole, dating from the same year, stands 543 m in the sea. On the heads they carry a signal lantern and a foghorn; they resemble miniature lighthouses. During the two World Wars the moles were heavily damaged, not to say destroyed; each time they were built up again. The two moles are a big attraction and a stopping place for tourists. Get a breath of fresh air. Sea angling or fishing with a crossed net are popular activities.

(Belgian Coast)

Two long wooden piers built in 1865 flank the IJzer River on its way out to the North Sea. Both the Westerstaketsel (west) and the Oosterstaketsel (east) have a foghorn and beacon at their tip designed like a little lighthouse. The east pier is a bit longer than the west one, at 543 metres, compared to 490. Both will be lined with people casting fishing rods and are great if you want a fresh blast of sea air, to watch the seaborne traffic going past and gaze back at Nieuwpoort’s beachfront and dunes.

(Crazy Tourist)

“Nieuwpoort thrives on seaside tourism,” says Michelle Martens, head of the tourism department. “We have the largest marina in North Europe that is not only well-kept, but looks amazing and as such attracts sailing aficionados from all across the continent, many from the Scandinavian countries and England. With 2,000 berths, it’s quite a sight and one that you can enjoy from the two wooden piers that lead to the marina and the fishing port.

(Discover Benelux)