Vuurtoren van Harlingen

In Harlingen, the old lighthouse has stopped guiding ships and now guides guests instead. After three-quarters of a century of service the light went out, and the fully restored tower now serves as a place to look out, to enjoy and to sleep. The overnight stay is run by Dromen aan Zee, which offers unusual places to sleep in Friesland.

The tower

The monumental staircase winds up to the first of three floors, the bathroom level, which has a striking round shower with a rain shower and a toilet. A curved passage leads to the living area, with a custom-made floating bed, a snug sitting corner and everything needed for an easy stay. A steep stair continues to the former lantern room, where a table for two is set. From there you can step outside for a walk around the lighthouse gallery.

The view

The highlight is the bed, which has a 360-degree view. It takes in the historic centre of Harlingen, the busy harbour and the wide Wadden Sea, with the outlines of the islands Vlieland and Terschelling in the distance. At night, the lights of four other lighthouses surround the tower.

Practical notes

The lighthouse keeper welcomes you on arrival and brings breakfast in the morning, with fresh rolls. As the whole tower is the accommodation, this is a stay for two rather than a hotel with many rooms, and it suits couples marking an occasion. Ask Dromen aan Zee about available dates and what is included before you plan around it. Because the stay centres on the tower itself, the experience is private: there are no neighbouring rooms, only the stairs, the sea and the sky.