The Afsluitdijk.
Ready for the future
The Afsluitdijk has protected us against the force of water for almost 90 years.
In the years ahead, Rijkswaterstaat and De Nieuwe Afsluitdijk will make the dam ready for the future. The Afsluitdijk has protected us against the force of the water for 90 years.
Stronger, higher and robust looking
The Afsluitdijk will be heightened and it will be given a new top layer. We will place 75.000 ultramodern concrete blocks of 6.5 thousand kilograms each on the flanks of the dike. These blocks will break the waves in case of a storm and they are designed to preserve the spectacular simplicity that gives the dike its unique character.
Free passage for fish
The fish migration river is a kilometres-long meandering river that will allow fish to swim straight through the Afsluitdijk. It is an innovative project aimed at restoring the open connection between the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea. We expect that millions of migratory fish, such as the sea trout, salmon, the river lamprey, the eel and the European flounder will use this river in the future. Doing right by the ecosystem
Drain when possible, pump when necessary
We’re building additional sluices and high capacity pumping stations in Den Oever. In the future we will be able to pump water out of the Ijsselmeer into the Waddenzee if necessary under any circumstances. This way we can protect the area around the lake from flooding.
A place where wind, sun and water meet
The Afsluitdijk is the ideal testing ground for innovative and sustainable energy sources. Wind, sun, water, it’s all there. At the Afsluitdijk we are using water currents and the confluence of fresh and salt water to produce energy.
Travelling from Noord-Holland to Friesland safer and better
The Afsluitdijk is more than just a water barrier. Every day thousands of motorists use the A7 to travel between Noord-Holland and Friesland. This motorway will get a new surface, wider shoulders and a new type of crash barrier.
Experience the Afsluitdijk
Each year tens of thousands of visitors visit the Afsluitdijk. They come to see the tidal flats of the Wadden Sea, the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre, the Casemat museum or the monument of Dudok. In the near future a new cycle and walking path with a great view on the Wadden Sea will also be added. Does it get any more Dutch?
Respecting our history
90 years ago thousands of hands built the Afsluitdijk, stone by stone. We are proud of the dike’s history and therefore we will cherish the original design by Cornelis Lely and the monumental structures such as the bridge towers designed by architect Dirk Roosenburg, which are a national heritage site.
- Strengthening dike: from 2019-04-01 until 2022-04-01
- Construction of pumping station Den Oever: from 2019-06-15 until 2021-07-01
- Construction of control lock at Kornwerderzand: from 2020-03-01 until 2022-03-01
- Improvement motorway A7: from 2020-03-01 until 2021-09-01
- Construction Fish Migration River: from 2020-11-01 until 2024-12-31
- Renovation sluices Den Oever: from 2019-05-01 until 2021-11-01
Visit the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre
At Kornwerderzand you will notice a remarkable building; The Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre. Here you will get to know everything about the history and future of the Afsluitdijk. It is also the ideal location to experience the Unesco World Heritage site that is the Wadden sea, as well as the fish migration river and the Ijsselmeer area. For more information and tours, visit the website of the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre.
To the website
Frequently asked questions
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Can I drive over de Afsluitdijk?
Yes, the Afsluitdijk remains accessible to motorists during the work. However, there is a high risk of extra travel time as work is being carried out on various projects at the same time. Therefore, there are often fewer lanes available. Only in incidental cases may certain activities require temporary closure of the road. The cycle path will be closed during the work. Cyclists, other slow-moving traffic and pedestrians can use the free bicycle bus. In some periods the lock in Kornwerderzand will close briefly. Ships will then have to make a detour.
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I’m stuck in a traffic jam on the Afsluitdijk. Where can I find information?
You’ll find up-to-date travel information on vananaarbeter.nl. You can also find information on the following Twitter accounts: @RWSVerkeersinfo, @RWS_mn, @ANWBverkeer and @VanAnaarBeter
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I want to cycle/walk over the Afsluitdijk, is this possible?
As long as the cycle path is closed, walkers, cyclists, moped riders and people with a mobility scooter can use a free bicycle bus. It is not possible to reserve a place in the bicycle bus. The bus can take 15 persons. Are you travelling with larger or special transport, such as a tandem, bicycle trailer, carrier cycle, etc.? Please request alternative transport two working days in advance by sending an email to Loket Afsluitdijk at the following email address: loket@deafsluitdijk.nl or call 0800-6040. For the bicycle bus times and additional information, see the bicycle bus page.
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What work is being done?
Over the next few years, Rijkswaterstaat and De Nieuwe Afsluitdijk are preparing the dam for the future. The Afsluitdijk is being made higher and given a new top layer. New tidal barriers and pumping stations are being built and the motorway renewed. In addition, a Fish Migration River is being constructed right through the dyke to restore the ecology. Read all about the many projects that will take place on and around the dyke in the coming years on our projects page.
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What is there to experience on the Afsluitdijk?
Stop for one of the many attractions and activities! Or take the 2Discover digital tour. You can learn more about the Afsluitdijk during the war in the Kazemattenmuseum (casemates museum). In the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre, there is an interactive experience exhibition where you can learn everything about the environment, the water barrier itself and all the hydraulic and innovative projects that are being realised here. Read more on the activities page.
Contact
Can’t find the answer to your question? Send an e-mail to The Afsluitdijk service desk via loket@afsluitdijk.nl of 0800-6040.
Just one Afsluitdijk, lots of stories
After years of hard work the final gap in the Afsluitdijk was closed in 1932. Ever since, the Afsluitdijk has been of unmeasurable importance for all of the Netherlands. Therefore the Afsluitdijk is our common property. It is the place of heroic stories. And it will remain so.
A joint effort of Rijkswaterstaat and De Nieuwe Afsluitdijk
Also made possible by all our partners