I recently had the chance to visit one of the most iconic landmarks on the Dutch coast – the Westkapelle Lighthouse. It’s not just a beautiful structure but also a place steeped in history, guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the North Sea for centuries.

Living near the Watersnoodmuseum, I had long wanted to visit this place and explore the history of one of the greatest natural disasters in the Netherlands—the 1953 flood. The museum is located in Zierikzee, on the island of Schouwen-Duiveland in the province of Zeeland. It was here, on February 1, 1953, that nature struck with unprecedented force, flooding vast areas and claiming the lives of more than 1,800 people.

However, beyond being a history lesson, the museum combines education with interactive learning. Multimedia exhibits, simulations, and games help visitors understand the mechanisms behind storms, their consequences, and methods of protection. The museum’s surroundings—beautiful nature and the proximity of water—make it a unique place on the map of the Netherlands.