The Afsluitdijk.
The work continues
The Afsluitdijk has protected us against the force of water for over 90 years. In the years ahead, Rijkswaterstaat and the Province of Fryslân are preparing the dam for the future again. The large-scale reinforcement and renewal is largely completed. We continue to work on the Afsluitdijk, but it remains open for traffic!
Stronger, higher and robust looking
The Afsluitdijk has been heightened and been given a new top layer. We placed 70.000 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 has been given 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. Also a new cycle and walking path with a great view on the Wadden Sea has been added. Does it get any more Dutch?
Respecting our history
More than 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.
Traffic on the Afsluitdijk
Is the Afsluitdijk on your route? We will list all the work being done and give you tips for your journey over the dike.
Read more
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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Yes, the Afsluitdijk remains accessible to motorists during the ongoing work. The large-scale reinforcement and renewal of the Afsluitdijk is largely completed, which means that the biggest disruptions for traffic and recreational users are now behind us. However, we continue to work while it stays open for traffic. Read up-to-date information on disruptions for traffic. Cyclists and walkers can find more information on the bicycle bus page.
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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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The cycle and foot path by the Wadden Sea is largely open. Traversing the locks on foot or by bicycle is not yet possible since the cycle and foot path is not yet in place there. Hikers, bikers and people with (electronic) mobility scooters can take the bicycle bus free of charge to reach the cycle and foot path between the locks on the Afsluitdijk or to cross the Afsluitdijk. Read more on using the bicycle bus.
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Read all about the projects that take place on and around the Afsluitdijk now and in the coming years on our projects page.
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Stop for one of the many attractions and activities! 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 or call +31 (0)800-6040.
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 the Province Fryslân
Also made possible by all our partners