With modern, but also monumental objects, we work every day for smooth and safe (shipping) traffic and good water management. On September 14, 2019, you can admire 11 of these monuments during Open Monument Day 2019.
Rijkswaterstaat manages more than 200 monuments. Of these, we will open 6 lighthouses (Westkapelle, Noordwijk aan Zee, Hellevoetsluis, Texel, Urk) and 5 locks (Haringvlietsluizen, Prinses Beatrixsluis, Ottersluis, Helsluis and the Delden Lock Complex) on Saturday, September 14. All monuments that each tell more about our history.
During the Open Monument Day for example, a visit to the Princess Beatrix Lock near Nieuwegein and find out all about the operation of the lock gates, the renovation of the lock complex and the new 3rd flume on a guided tour. Or view the Herringvliet Locks inside and out. This "crane of Europe" drains a staggering 30 billion m3 of water annually and, as a storm surge barrier, manages to protect us from the water day and night.
Additionally, climb 1 of our country's oldest lighthouses in Hellevoetsluis and learn more about the town's maritime history during a city walk. Or visit Eierland lighthouse on Texel, which shows traces of history with bullet holes left behind from World War II. All monuments are accessible free of charge.
Curious? All information and opening hours of our monuments and activities can be found on the page Open Monument Day 2019. An overview of all open monuments can be found at the Open Monument Day website.