Noctilucent clouds clouds above the pier of IJmuiden

by Jeroen de Jongh Photography

A pier is a fixed dam or a wooden pile construction that runs from the beach into the sea. Originally, a pier had the function of a harbour head to allow ships to sail safely and quietly into and out of the port, such as at the port entrances of Nieuwpoort, Oostende, Blankenberge and IJmuiden. The end of a pier carries a light rebellion or sometimes a lighthouse. The construction on piles leaves the water movement under the pier virtually undisturbed, so they have no function as breakwaters.

Later on, a pier was also constructed to allow tourists to stroll "across the sea". At the end of the pier sometimes a building was built, for example a café-restaurant or an observation room. The name "walking head" used to be used for this.

IJmuiden is a port city in the municipality of Velsen, in the Dutch province of North Holland. The North Sea Canal is connected to the North Sea via the locks. In the harbour mouth lies the Fort Island, part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam.

IJmuiden is one of the largest seaports in the Netherlands in terms of throughput. Only the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam are larger. IJmuiden is also the largest fishing port in the Netherlands. A ferry also sails to Newcastle from the fishing port of IJmuiden.