The Perpetual Tourist

Ever since I saw the movie Pete’s Dragon when I was a kid, I’ve wanted to live in a lighthouse. But this is just a pipe dream — most lighthouses are historic sites, not very roomy, or incredibly inconvenient to reach, out on a remote cliff somewhere. Oh well.

There are a few lighthouses in the world where you can live at least temporarily. They’re in use as hotels, and the most spectacular of these is in Harlingen, Netherlands. The Harlingen Lighthouse Hotel, about an hour away from Amsterdam, is a beautiful out-of-service lighthouse where guests can enjoy 360 degree panoramic views and luxury accommodations in the heart of the historic docks of Harlingen.

There is only one bedroom to rent, so guests have the lighthouse to themselves. You’ll have to climb 80 steep steps to reach the dwelling area, so pack lightly! Once you’re inside, you’ll find a 3-story luxury getaway, with incredible views from your bedroom and an upstairs lookout area, and all the modern comforts you find in any hotel.

Guests can climb to the original lantern room and balcony for some of the most spectacular views of all. In the lantern room, owners have put a VHF radio so guests can listen to the shipping traffic on the ocean.

Breakfast is delivered to the bottom of the lighthouse stairs each morning.

This fantastic hotel is just a short walk from the shops and restaurants of Harlingen, and right in the center of the historic port. Accommodations start at 319 Euro per night, and you need to book way in advance. It would make a unique getaway and a fantastic honeymoon destination!

For more unusual accommodations in Harlingen, check out the sister properties: The Harbor Crane and the Lifeboat.