The Vlieter Monument

The Vlieter Monument is an observation tower where you can enjoy views of the dyke, the IJsselmeer, and the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Wadden Sea. The monument is located at the point where the Afsluitdijk was completed (between Breezanddijk and Den Oever). This tower was designed by the Dutch architect Willem Dudok and was built in 1933. This location is called the Vlieter, after which the tower is named.

On the Wadden Sea side, you can see statues of engineer Cornelis Lely and the stone layer. Additionally, there is a column with information about the history and construction of the Afsluitdijk.

In the future, we aim to offer visitors more. Therefore, we plan to improve the existing facilities here. See the project page of the renovation of the Vlietermonument for more information.

Transformer station Windpark Fryslân

At Breezanddijk is the transformer station of Windpark Fryslân. In this remarkable building, electricity from the wind turbines is converted into high voltage for the electricity grid. The transformer station (42 meters long, 18 meters wide, and 7 meters high) visually showcases the power of the wind thanks to the aluminium panels on its façade. Due to the flexible attachment of some of the panels, they can move in the wind.

You can visit the transformer station. The virtual tour "Wie Watt Windenergie" (via phone) provides an introduction to Windpark Fryslân and the sustainable operation of the transformer station. The route is enjoyable for both interested newcomers and electrical engineering professionals.

For more information about the wind farm, visit the website of Windpark Fryslân.

Kazemattenmuseum on the Afsluitdijk

You can find a series of casemates at Den Oever and Kornwerderzand. These are concrete bunkers hidden below a layer of soil. The defence fortifications were created to prevent enemies from quickly moving to the centre of the Netherlands across the dyke. The casemates museum in Kornwerderzand focuses on, among other things, life in these fortifications and the German attack in May 1940.

The renovated museum was opened at the end of May 2019. For more information and the opening hours of the Casemates Museum visit the website of the museum.

Waddenzee Gate Den Oever

The Wadden experience site in Den Oever offers a view of the Waddenzee. You can look at the 't Schor nature reserve, the dam with the largest spoonbill colony of Europe (Vogelsandt), the former Wieringen island, the port of Den Oever, and the Afsluitdijk.

The eyecatcher is provided with informative panels which tell visitors everything about the fauna above and below water, about the Wadden area, and, naturally, about the unique birds residing in the area: as either a pitstop or permanent residence. In the summer, the largest spoonbill colony of Europe can be found on the Leidam, also called ‘the Banana’ because of its shape. Two telescopes have been installed on the upper landing for a far view.

Kitesurfing

There is a great kitesurfing spot on the Afsluitdijk near Kornwerderzand for both beginners and advanced surfers. You can stand here, provided you stay between the buffer zone and the yellow barrel. If you go farther onto the IJsselmeer, you must be able to save yourself in deep water.

The Kornwerderzand surf area is open from May 1 to October 1. This area has sufficient wind virtually year-round with an average wind speed of 16.4 knots.

The website of the Dutch Kitesurf Association offers more information about this surf spot and the applicable rules. If you are not very experienced in kitesurfing, you can also visit a kitesurf school in Kornwerderzand

Hiking

Hiking the Afsluitdijk is a unique experience with expansive views over the Wadden Sea! The cycling and walking path on the Afsluitdijk can be reached by the bicycle bus. This free bus is necessary to pass the sluices at Kornwerderzand and Den Oever. Read more about the bicycle bus and the timetable.

Other walks near the Afsluitdijk include:

In Den Oever, you can take a walk in the Robbenoord Forest or the Dijksgat Forest. The Robbenoord Forest, located on the edge of Wieringen, is particularly noteworthy.

In Cornwerd, you can start a walk through picturesque villages to Hindeloopen. Along the way, you'll pass windmills, churches, shipyards, and an artisanal cheese maker. Several villages on the route have protected village views. It’s a beautiful 20.2 km walk through the Frysian countryside.

In Zurich, the Wadden Sea Coast Route begins: a long-distance walk to Lindern in Germany (261 km).

You can also walk the Zuiderzeepad. This route is now an impressive 492 kilometers long, making it the longest circular walk in the Netherlands.

Cycling

The cycling and walking path on the Afsluitdijk can be accessed via the bicycle bus. This free bus is necessary to pass the sluices at Kornwerderzand and Den Oever. Read more about the bicycle bus and the timetable.

Rondje IJsselmeer is a well-known route among cyclists. Many road cyclists aim to complete this route. It varies from 250 to 300 km, depending on the route taken. To cycle on or across the Afsluitdijk, you must take the bicycle bus. Due to the location of the bus stops, we recommend cycling from Friesland to North Holland. Read more information about the bicycle bus.

Mudflat Hiking

The Wad offers an unparalleled beautiful bit of nature, tranquillity, and freedom. You can go mudflat hiking at Den Oever. Enjoy the quiet, explore the sandbar, and explore the Wad soil with a rake, shovel, and sieve. Try to catch shrimp with a push net and use a ‘Wad detector’ to find hidden cockles just below the sand. Visit the Tourist Office to find more information and book a mudflat hiking trip.

Boat Trips

Regular boat trips by the Wadden Association depart from Harlingen during summer. The “From salt to fresh below sails” day trip, organised by the Waddenzee Association, follows the route of migratory fish from the Waddenzee UNESCO World Heritage Site to the IJsselmeer. Departing from Harlingen, you sail to the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre at Kornwerderzand and learn everything about the unique nature below the water level and the unique Fish Migration River project. Enjoy the wind in the sails along the route and discover the unique feeling of sailing across the Waddenzee UNESCO World Heritage Site. More information about the boat trips is available at the Wadden Association. (in Dutch)

You can join adventurous boat trips to seals and other aquatic animals from Den Oever. The boats take you to the most beautiful spots of the Waddenzee that cannot be seen from the coast. You will visit the Wieringer Grounds and learn everything about this unique area. The life above water can be seen from up close on deck: thousands of sea birds of all species and sizes. You can watch the seals on the sandbanks at low tide. Study the sea with binoculars, smell the salty sea air, and enjoy the sun and serene tranquillity.

Motor home sites

The motor home site and day recreation site along the Waddenzee at Kornwerderzand attracts the more adventurous holidaymakers. The ruggedness gives this area the charm appreciated by motor home owners. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy the view and enjoy activities like fishing or (kite) surfing. You can enjoy the tranquillity of the Wadden area at the motor home sites at Kornwerderzand from your own motor home.

Work visits

Do you want to learn more about the many projects that are being carried out on and around the Afsluitdijk? You can apply for a work visit via loket@deafsluitdijk.nl.

Other Activities

Tourist offices

Be informed by local tourist offices in Fryslân and North Holland for more activities on and around the Afsluitdijk.