Why
The Vlieter Monument on the Afsluitdijk holds great historical significance. It marks the location where the Afsluitdijk was closed in 1932, at the channel known as the Vlieter. The building was designed by architect Willem Dudok. The architectural strength of the monument lies in the stark contrast between the ‘light-footed’ vertical tower and the heavy horizontal embankment of the Afsluitdijk. This gives the Afsluitdijk symbolism and recognition for everyone.
Visitors here enjoy a stunning view of both the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea, as well as the Afsluitdijk itself, a symbol of Dutch hydraulic engineering. Combined with on-site catering facilities and nearby parking, the monument attracts many visitors every year. Passers-by stopping for a cup of coffee, but also international tourists arriving on organised coach tours.
In Need of Restoration
Like the Afsluitdijk, the Vlieter Monument was in need of restoration. The tower is over 90 years old and required major refurbishment. The harsh marine climate had taken its toll. There were cracks in the concrete, the window frames were corroded, and the interior had changed significantly. For this reason Rijkswaterstaat, the provinces of North Holland and Friesland and the municipalities of Hollands Kroon and Súdwest-Fryslân decided to fully restore the Vlieter Monument. The restoration of the tower is now nearly complete.
In addition to restoring the monument, we are expanding the adjacent building. The existing structure is too small for the current number of visitors and no longer meets modern standards and requirements.
How
The aim is to restore the light and airy appearance of the tower in the middle of the dike. This includes highlighting the slender horizontal and vertical lines, and the contrast between the light plasterwork and colourful tiles. All in line with Dudok’s original vision. His assignment was to create a simple monument. Not a reminder of the “the 1933 crisis,” but a tribute to “the vitality of a strong and living nation.”
Walraad Architecten, specialists in heritage restoration, designed the renovation plans. Experts consulted archival photographs and historical documents to determine the monument’s original appearance. All plans were coordinated with the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands. For instance, the tiles had to be the same yellow colour used in 1933. Other key elements included restoring the commemorative plaque featuring images of stoneworkers and reinstating the original oak doors and benches.
Building expansion
The building is being extended into the dike behind the Vlieter Monument. The catering area will be approximately twice as large, with more than double the number of toilets compared to the previous café. The new facility will be wheelchair accessible, connected to the power grid, and equipped with a system to purify IJsselmeer water for drinking.
Outdoor area upgrade
The surrounding outdoor space is also being refurbished. The two jetties near the monument are in very poor condition and are being renovated. We are also upgrading the parking facilities (for both cars and buses), a bus stop, the pedestrian bridge connection, and a waterside terrace.
The restoration and expansion of the Vlieter Monument is a joint initiative by Rijkswaterstaat, the municipalities of Hollands Kroon and Súdwest-Fryslân, the provinces of North Holland and Friesland, and the Waddenfonds. The contractors involved are Koninklijke Woudenberg and the Levvel consortium (BAM, Van Oord, Rebel and Invesis).
When
Work on the Vlieter Monument began in 2023. Completion of the monument, its expansion, and the outdoor improvements is expected in 2027. The café in the building is and will remain closed during the works, as will the adjacent parking area.