Green areas and a modern building by the water, with a sandy beach and a promenade in the background. Two cyclists stand on a hill with a black and white lighthouse in the background under a cloudy sky.
Netherlands

Breskens: Between Lighthouse and Sea

Nieuwe Sluis Lighthouse: A Guardian of the Westerschelde.
 Breskens, Netherlands, July 2022

The small, unassuming town of Breskens sits wedged between the marina and the beach, directly across from Vlissingen at the mouth of the Scheldt River. Its most recognizable landmark? The octagonal, black-and-white striped Nieuwe Sluis Lighthouse. Built in 1868, it’s the oldest surviving cast-iron lighthouse in the Netherlands—though that detail is probably only thrilling for true lighthouse enthusiasts.

A scenic path runs along the dike, offering panoramic views of the North Sea. Sailboats glide past the coast, and if you're lucky, you might spot the massive container ships making their way through the Scheldt toward Antwerp.

And just in case you're wondering—the weather isn't quite as unpredictable as my photos might suggest. They were taken on two different days, meaning Breskens simply got two chances to show itself at its best.

Map of Breskens
A wooden bench overlooks the harbor, with water and many boats visible against a cloudy sky in the background.
Boats rest quietly in the water of a marina, surrounded by masts and modern buildings in the background.
A small sailboat with a red hull passes by modern high-rise buildings along the harbor.
Two cyclists stand on a hill with a black and white lighthouse in the background under a cloudy sky.
The Nieuwe Sluis lighthouse near Breskens has stood watch over the Westerschelde since 1867. With its bold black-and-white stripes and cast-iron frame, it’s the oldest of its kind in the Netherlands. No longer in service, but still a striking landmark, it towers over passing cyclists and shifting tides.
A sailboat with two people glides on calm water towards a coastal city featuring modern buildings in the background.
A sailboat with a black sail glides across the water, with a lighthouse in the background along the coastline.
Rooftops of colorful houses in a small town, surrounded by trees and grass, under a cloudy sky.
A sunny beach with sun loungers and colorful umbrellas, sailboats visible on the water in the distance.
Soft sandy beach with sailboats on the water and a city skyline in the background. Green tent and beach chairs at the shore.
Green areas and a modern building by the water, with a sandy beach and a promenade in the background.
In Breskens, the dunes and beach cabins contrast with sleek new architecture, overlooking the Westerschelde and the distant skyline of Vlissingen.
A black lighthouse with a metal staircase and transparent light cone stands in a square, surrounded by trees and cafés.
Tables with chairs and plants under a blue canopy. Wooden logs create a border. Inviting atmosphere.
A large, colorful fish sculpture in green and blue hues stands on a paved surface, surrounded by trees.
Albert Kramer’s "Viss'n" brings an artistic splash to Spuiplein in Breskens. These bold, oversized fish sculptures, part of a playful public installation, celebrate the town’s deep maritime heritage and have become a favorite gathering spot.
A modern hexagonal church with a trapezoidal facade and large wooden doors, set against a blue sky.
A unique landmark in Breskens: The Protestant Church stands out with its modernist architecture, featuring sharp angles and a distinctive bell tower.
A beach with many people, a cluster of buildings, and a black and white lighthouse in the background.