Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk)
Afsluitdijk 1, Den Oever, Netherlands, 1779 GR
Built to protect Amsterdam and other coastal towns from sea flooding, the Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk) is an amazing feat of Dutch engineering. Stretching 20 miles (32 kilometers) across the water, Afsluitdijk is both a dam and a motorway connecting the province of Noord-Holland with Friesland. The damming of the sea also created a freshwater lake called Ijsselmeer, which has become a hot spot for water sports.
The basics
You can drive, bike, or walk from one end of the Afsluitdijk to the other. There is a small monument and restaurant in the middle of the causeway where visitors can enjoy views of the sea and stop for a coffee or lunch while learning about the history of Afsluitdijk. The new Afsluitdijk Wadden Center is open on the east side of the dam and offers great views of Ijsselmeer.
The area is also a hotspot for outdoor recreation and home to several picturesque fishing villages. Lake Ijsselmeer is perfect for watersports like kitesurfing, sailing, and paddleboarding. The Zuiderzee Cycle Route is one of the most popular long-distance Dutch cycling routes and takes you around the entirety of Ijsselmeer.
Things to know before you go
- See one of the top Dutch water engineering marvels.
- Enjoy recreational opportunities on Lake Ijsselmeer.
- Visit traditional Dutch fishing villages such as Hindeloopen, Edam, and Marken.
How to get there
The Afsluitdijk is located about 46 miles (75 kilometers) north of the center of Amsterdam. The easiest way to get there is by car via the A7. It is possible to take public transportation, but expect to make several transfers. Take the train to Alkmaar from Amsterdam Central Station and then hop on the 350 bus to Leeuwarden, which crosses the Afsluitdijk.
When to get there
The Afsluitdijk is a major motorway so it is open at all times. The Afsluitdijk Wadden Center is open daily from 10am to 9pm and entry is free. Visit at night to see the stunning Gates of Light entrance to Afsluitdijk.
The Gates of Light and Afsluitdijk at Night
To keep the causeway lit at night, the Dutch engineered another genius solution. The Gates of Light are built into the floodgates at each end of the causeway and illuminate the area by reflecting the headlights of passing cars. Inspired by retroreflective butterfly wings, this design requires zero energy consumption and cuts down on light pollution since the road stays dark until a car approaches the gates.
Ways to explore
In the middle of the Enclosing Dike’s causeway, there is a small monument and restaurant where you can stop for a coffee or lunch, enjoy views of the sea, and learn about the Afsluitdijk’s history. On the east side, the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center offers views of Ijsselmeer and an exhibition about life on the water—the area abounds with opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as kitesurfing, sailing, and paddleboarding. It’s also the location of several picturesque fishing villages.
Day trip tours from Amsterdam can help you explore North Holland highlights like the Enclosing Dike and the charming, car-free village of Giethorn.
Accessibility
The walkways surrounding Afsluitdijk are mostly accessible, though there are some steps. Afsluitdijk Wadden Center is fully accessible.
Age limits
None
What to pack
Bring your bathing suit if the weather is nice and you’d like to try some of the many water sports on offer.
What to wear
Closed-toe shoes for hiking, jacket to protect against the sea breeze.
Not allowed
Motorized vehicles on the cycle path, barbecues, camping
Amenities
Visitor center, museum, foot paths, café, restrooms
Address
You can drive, bike, or walk from one end of the Afsluitdijk to the other. The Zuiderzee Cycle Route is one of the most popular long-distance Dutch cycling routes and takes you around the entirety of Ijsselmeer.
Driving
From Amsterdam, take the A7/E22 motorway northbound (via interchange Zaandam/A8-A7). Continue until Den Oever, the western entrance of the Afsluitdijk. You can drive across the Afsluitdijk, as it’s a straight causeway.
Public transportation
From Friesland, you can take the free Bicycle Bus that transports cyclists and hikers to the pedestrian and bike paths around the lake. The bus makes six stops around the area and can accommodate mobility scooters.
Best times to visit
Arrive in the early morning or late afternoon for the highest chance of spotting birdlife along the Wadden Sea mud flats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Best days to visit
Come during the week for the fewest crowds and least traffic, whether driving or cycling.
Best months to visit
In the spring months of May through June, you’ll have the least chance of rain, and the surrounding landscapes bloom with flowers.
Special events
Every year at the end of June, the Wadden Sea Festival hosts bicycle races, talks, and food stalls selling regional produce.
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