32 km long water icon between IJsselmeer and Waddenzee. Those who know the Netherlands a little, know that it has a rich history with water. Characteristic icons such as mills, polders, pumping stations, mounds and dikes are good examples of this. The Afsluitdijk is perhaps the most impressive example of Dutch Delta Design. And with more than 600,000 visitors annually, also one of the most popular waterworks in the Netherlands. The Afsluitdijk has been connecting the provinces of North Holland and Friesland since 1932. The 32-kilometer-long dike runs straight through the sea and thus separates the former Zuiderzee into the current sweet IJsselmeer and the salty Wadden Sea. In addition, the Afsluitdijk shortened the more than 300 kilometers of vulnerable Zuiderzee coast to a safe 32 kilometers. A unique example of hydraulic engineering that we consider Dutch to be quite common. Tens of thousands of people pass the dike every day, with the beautiful Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site on one side and the IJsselmeer on the other, without realizing how unique it actually is. From functional to attractive. To give the Afsluitdijk the attention it deserves, there are plans to make the water icon not only safer and future-proof, but also more interesting and more of an experience for tourists. Under the motto “one Afsluitdijk, many stories” attention is paid to sustainable energy, nature, cultural history, military heritage, and recreation. With new cycling and walking paths along the Wadden Sea, a facelift for the Vlieter Monument, and a Fish Migration River at Kornwerderzand, the Afsluitdijk will be a real crowd pleaser. For more, see: www.deafsluitdijk.nl See & Do Afsluitdijk Wadden Center In 2018, the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center was opened at Kornwerderzand. Discover, experience and enjoy, these are the keywords of this experience center. It tells the story of (the) life of the Dutch in the Delta, through the ages and with a view to the future of climate change and sea level rise. Visitors make their way through storms from the past to the solutions of today. Experience the mudflats with dry feet and fly over the mudflats like a godwit? It is possible in the exhibition! www.afsluitdijkwaddencenter.nl Walking through ancient Zuiderzee towns and Wadden ports. Beautiful Zuiderzee towns such as Makkum, Workum, Den Oever, Medemblik, Enkhuizen, Stavoren and Hindeloopen are ideal for exploring on foot. The same applies to the Wadden ports of Harlingen and Den Oever. There are plenty of old monuments, beautiful old streets and of course cozy fishing ports and fish restaurants. Mud-walking; walking at the bottom of the sea The Afsluitdijk is located directly on the Waddenzee; one of the richest and most extensive nature reserves in the Netherlands and since 2009 UNESCO World Heritage. It is known for the many special plants, birds and fish and there are plenty of seals to spot. During low water levels, the sandbanks dry up, which makes it possible to walk on the seabed in certain places under the guidance of a Wadden Sea guide. Surrounded by nothing but sea, wind and water, this adventurous walk on the Wadden from Den Oever or the Frisian coast is definitely recommended. Must do: Casemate Museum or Vlieter Monument A visit to the Casemate Museum Kornwerderzand or the Vlieter Monument by the famous Dutch architect Dudok is a special experience and one of the must-do’s when you are on the Afsluitdijk.
De Afsluitdijk
Nearby locations
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Vaarroute Den Oever – Alkmaar
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Vis van Havenzicht
At the foot of the Afsluitdijk in Den Oever, you can enjoy the tastiest fish at Vis van Havenzicht with the most expansive view of the fishing port and the Wadden Sea and the ships that pass between the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer. Mark and Michel know everything about fish through their years of experience as fishermen, which you will of course find in their range. Delicious baked, (home) smoked and ready-to-cook fresh fish, freshly cut herring, various freshly filled sandwiches, plate menus, fries, fish dishes (on order) and more.
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CIV Den Oever
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Zingende Wielen
Restaurant 'de Zingende Wielen' is located on the former island Wieringen in between the villages Den Oever and Oosterland. To have breakfast, lunch and an excellent diner, but also for a cup of coffee you are most welcome.
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Restaurant Bruisend
You have come to the right place at this restaurant for a lively night out. In the renewed young and passionate restaurant you will be surprised by the hospitality, attention, good atmosphere, beautiful decor, quality products and of course the love on the plate! All hot dishes are prepared on the Green Mountain Pellet Grill. This BBQ is fired on wood pellets instead of coal or briquettes. This special mix of pressed wood pellets gives a unique taste to every dish. In addition to the menu, changing seasonal dishes are offered, if possible from the neighborhood.
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’t Pijlhuuske
'T Pijlhuuske is a cozy and attractive small gift and home accessories store in Den Oever. 't Pijlhuuske is slightly different from others. Here you will find the latest trends in home accessories, lifestyle products and decoration for in and around the house.
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Viscentre ‘t Wad
At the beginning of the Afsluitdijk in Den Oever you will find Viscentre ’t Wad. A fish restaurant where you can eat the tastiest fish. From the restaurant you overlook the lively harbor with fishing boats. And if you're lucky, you'll see a seal lying behind the dike on the Oeverse Schor. With former fishermen at the helm, quality is guaranteed every day. The fish restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. Whoever goes out for a day in Den Oever, to the Wadden Sea or to the Afsluitdijk is at the right place at Viscentre 't Wad to eat a nice fish.
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B&B Den Oever
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RMH Autoverhuur
RMH Carrental is a young and customer-oriented company located on Wieringen. They have young cars with cruise control and air conditioning / climate control. They can also offer a collect- and delivery service after consultation. This means that the car will be at your doorstep. RMH is for customer convenience and great service for a good price.