Green Lighthouse – Southern Pier is the green navigation light at the end of Zuidelijk havenhoofd, 2586 JW Den Haag, on the south breakwater of Scheveningen Harbour. Part of the early-20th-century harbour landscape that reshaped the old fishing village into a working port and beach district, it draws walkers for close-up views of the harbour entrance, North Sea, fishing fleet and Scheveningen shoreline rather than for an indoor attraction.
What to Expect at Green Lighthouse – Southern Pier
This is an active maritime marker, not a visitor centre: there are no exhibition rooms, observation-deck tickets, café or formal guided tours. The compact green light identifies the starboard side of the channel for vessels entering Scheveningen Harbour under the IALA-A buoyage system. Its appeal is the walk out along the harbour head, where the sea is on one side and the harbour basin, marina activity and industrial fishing-port scenery are on the other.
The setting rewards an unhurried coastal circuit. Look north across the entrance toward the opposing harbour head, follow the changing patterns of incoming boats, and watch waves break against the engineered sea defences. At dawn and late afternoon, the low Dutch coastal light opens long views across the water; after dark, the green signal is most legible against the harbour lights. Photography is practical from public paths, but keep clear of working harbour areas, mooring equipment and the beacon itself.
- Green harbour light: A functioning entrance marker on Scheveningen Harbour’s southern side, best appreciated as maritime infrastructure rather than a conventional lighthouse museum.
- Southern breakwater walk: A long, exposed route with open North Sea views and the sound of surf striking the harbour defences.
- Harbour panorama: Views back toward the marina, fishing vessels, harbour buildings and the busy waters at the mouth of the port.
- Coastal weather drama: Strong wind, sea spray and changing cloud cover make this a particularly atmospheric stop outside calm summer days.
- Free day-and-night viewpoint: The public outdoor approach is open around the clock and costs nothing to visit.
Green Lighthouse – Southern Pier at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | Zuidelijk havenhoofd, 2586 JW Den Haag, Netherlands |
| Neighborhood / Area | Scheveningen destination, at the southern harbour entrance |
| Operating Hours | Outdoor public access, 24 hours daily; conditions can be severe in high wind or storms |
| Admission / Price Range | Free |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | HTM Tram 11, Scheveningen destination terminus; harbour-area paid parking is closest |
| Official Website & Phone | Strand Den Haag: Scheveningen destination; no dedicated public phone is listed for the beacon |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Come early for quieter paths and clearer views before beach and harbour traffic builds, or arrive near sunset for sidelong light across the water. Check wind and sea conditions before committing to the outer section: the pier is exposed, and spray can make the surface slippery. Tram 11 terminates at Scheveningen destination; from there, allow time to walk through the harbour area to the southern head. Drivers should use paid harbour parking rather than stopping on operational quays or access roads.
The landward approach is generally level, but this is a utilitarian breakwater, not a fully serviced promenade. There is no elevator, indoor shelter, seating sequence, public toilet or staffed accessibility facility at the lighthouse itself; wind, uneven patches and blown sand can make the outer walk difficult for wheelchair users, strollers and anyone unsteady on their feet. Pair the walk with Scheveningen Harbour’s marina edge, the broad beach by the harbour entrance, or a waterfront stroll toward Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach, roughly 10 to 15 minutes away on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Green Lighthouse – Southern Pier open, and when should I go?
The outdoor harbour-head route is accessible 24 hours a day. Go shortly after sunrise for the calmest atmosphere, or near sunset and after dark to see the green navigation signal, but avoid the outer pier in stormy or very windy weather.
Does it cost anything to visit the green lighthouse?
There is no admission charge and no ticket desk. It is a working navigation light viewed from public outdoor space, so there are also no reservations, guided-tour slots or indoor facilities to book.
How long should I allow for the southern pier?
Allow 30 to 60 minutes for the return walk, photographs and time watching boats pass through the harbour entrance. Build in extra time if you continue around Scheveningen destination or walk onto the adjacent beach.
Is the southern pier suitable for children and wheelchair users?
Families can enjoy the maritime views, but children should stay close because of water, wind and harbour operations. The approach is outdoors and mostly level, yet the exposed, potentially sandy or wet surface and lack of facilities make conditions less suitable for many wheelchairs and strollers.
When planning your The Hague travel guide or browsing verified attractions in The Hague, pair this stop with standout local spots including Bistro Bon Vivant, Oost-Afrikaanse Eethuis Djebena, Mauritshuis, and Inntel Hotels Den Haag Marina Beach (0.8 km away).
