The 40th edition of the nationwide Heritage Day in the Netherlands has the theme ‘Veerkrachtig erfgoed, in tijden van onzekerheid’ – resilient heritage in uncertain times. According to the organisers, around 6,000 heritage sites across the country are taking part. Rijkswaterstaat is opening six sites, stretching from the IJsselmeer to Zeeland, offering an easily accessible programme for crews on a late-summer cruise. Opening hours apply only on Saturday 12 September or Sunday 13 September 2026, and some of the sites have limited accessibility for people with disabilities.
Grave Weir: a lock, bridge and weir in a single structure
The Grave weir and lock complex on the Meuse comprises two lock chambers and a road bridge. The weir came into operation in 1929, together with the first lock. What makes it unique is that it is the only weir in the Netherlands that forms a single structure with the road bridge above it.
On Sunday 13 September, the site will be open from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm. Visitors can walk along the crane runway and will receive an explanation of how the complex works. The meeting point is Veerstraat in Nederasselt; parking is limited. Due to the presence of stairs and the height of the railings, the site is not considered fully accessible. For safety reasons, children under 1.20 metres in height may only enter when accompanied by an adult.
It is particularly evident on the Dutch inland waterways why such structures are more than just an industrial backdrop: locks, bridges and weirs determine the course of the journey, the water level and the connection between different waterways. The current situation remains challenging for planning a trip along the ‘Standing Mast’ route. More information here: Closure of the Staande-Mast route in 2026 .
Haringvliet Sluices: The Delta Works – a look behind the scenes
The Haringvliet locks form part of the Haringvliet Dam and are therefore the sixth structure in the Delta Works. The facility protects against North Sea water whilst also draining off river water. During Open Monument Day, a tour lasting around two hours takes visitors through areas that are otherwise rarely accessible. The tour concludes with a visit to a nuclear bunker dating from the Cold War era.
The guided tours will take place on Saturday 12 September from 10 am to 4 pm; the last tour starts at around 3 pm. Booking is not required, but the site at Haringvlietplein 2 in Stellendam is not wheelchair accessible. There’s a treasure hunt for families during the guided tour. Anyone wishing to continue on to Zeeland afterwards will find the Overview of fishing grounds in Zeeland Suggestions for the rest of the route.
Three lighthouses, three districts
On Saturday 12 September, three of Rijkswaterstaat’s lighthouses will be open to the public. They represent very different coastal and inland areas.
Noordwijk: Coastguard station in a tower dating from 1923
Construction of the Noordwijk lighthouse began in 1922; its light was first lit on 1 August 1923. The optics used at the time for maritime and aviation navigation were designed so that the light could be seen from a distance of up to 33 kilometres. The tower has served as a coastguard station since 1953 and has been operated automatically since 1988.
It is open from 11 am to 4 pm. Visitors can explore the site at their own pace, following the information boards, historical photographs and artefacts. Free admission tickets are available on the day of the event from 10 am directly at the tower at Koningin Wilhelmina Boulevard 34. Due to limited capacity, time slots will be allocated.
Urk: Rotating beacon on the IJsselmeer
Even today, the lighthouse, built in 1844, continues to guide shipping on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer. It is unique in that it is not the lamp that rotates, but the lens – a revolving lens system. Its range is stated as 33 kilometres. During a tour, visitors can see the optics up close and, with the aid of a three-dimensional nautical chart of the former Zuiderzee, understand why Urk was so important for navigation.
The tower at Wijk 3-80 is open on Saturdays from 10 am to 4 pm without the need to book. Anyone who climbs the 65 steps will be rewarded with a magnificent view over the Markermeer and the IJsselmeer. Practical information on waterways, harbours and approaches is provided by the YACHT feature on the IJsselmeer and Markermeer.
Westkapelle: Het Lage and Het Hoge Licht as a twin station
In Westkapelle, two very different navigation marks can be explored together. Het Lage Licht celebrated its 150th anniversary in July 2026. A photographic exhibition traces its history from 1900 to the present day; the tower also houses information on shipping and dyke maintenance, as well as a KNRM exhibition. It is open from 10 am to 4 pm at Zeedijk 5. As only 15 visitors are allowed up at any one time, there may be a wait.
Het Hoge Licht is older: the tower has served as a landmark on the Walcherens coast since 1818. Floods, fire and war have shaped its history. From 10 am to 4 pm, visitors to Zuidstraat 1 can explore the exhibition on the tower’s history, watch a film and, on the sixth floor, enjoy the view over the town and the coast. Here too, access is not wheelchair-accessible due to the stairs. It takes about half an hour to walk between the two towers. Anyone wishing to learn more about the connection to today’s sea rescue services will find background information here on KNRM in the Netherlands.
The latest details on all six stations, including addresses and access information, have been published Rijkswaterstaat in the programme for Open Monument Day 2026. The list of events across the country and other monuments that are open to the public can be found on the Organisation of Open Monument Day.
Book recommendations
Cruising Guide: Holland 1 takes you through Zeeland and the southern provinces of the Netherlands. This guide complements a visit to the Haringvliet locks and the two Westkapelle lighthouses by offering a view from the water: maps, routes and information on lock and bridge opening times help you plan shore excursions along the waterways. Moorings and local attractions are also described, so that Heritage Day can be incorporated into a specific cruising itinerary.
Cruising Guide: Holland 2 It focuses on the IJsselmeer, Friesland, the Wadden Sea and the northern provinces. This makes it particularly well-suited to Urk and to cruises where hydraulic structures, bridges and locks are not just places to visit, but form part of the route itself. Colour maps, harbour information and details of bridge clearances help with planning, especially if the route is to take you through inland waterways with the mast still in place.
Which of these sites would you like to visit for a shore excursion whilst on a sailing trip in the Netherlands?
Jill Grigoleit
Editor Travel