Citizens of Blankenberge say goodbye to Westerstaketsel

More than 400 people from Blankenberge appear to have an emotional bond with the concrete construction. “I take my walk here almost every day, weather permitting. As a Blankenberge, this is our picket fence,” says Rita Nefors. Today, together with hundreds of other Blankenberge residents, she said goodbye to the iconic Westerstaketsel and its lighthouse.

600 meters long

The demolition work will finally start on Monday. “They are going to demolish the old picket fence from the top down. The intention is also to use the concrete rubble as a foundation,” explains mayor Björn Prasse. The new breakwater will extend 600 meters into the sea, but will only be walkable for about 180 meters. Blankenberge hopes that the works will be completed before the summer of 2026 and will definitively put an end to the silting up of the harbor channel.