Salt marshes by the ferry terminal, several trails through the landscape and historic churches give Holwerd its distinctive character. For your planning, it is worth considering the specific walking options and the ferry journey separately: they differ in route, conditions and duration. The Wagenborg Passenger Services ferry from Holwerd to Ameland takes about 50 minutes. Check the latest timetable details before departure.

Salt marshes and trails around Holwerd

Staatsbosbeheer manages an extensive salt marsh area near Holwerd’s ferry terminal to Ameland. One described excursion, “Walk Holwerd aan Zee,” passes through the historic centre, over the dyke and across the salt marshes to the Kees Weverswadpost birdwatching hut. The hut can also be reached via the old summer dyke and the dyke north of Holwerd. Check whether the excursion is currently available before making plans.

For a walk of a set length, the “Holwert” circular walk provides a useful reference: it is 12.1 kilometres long and reconnects the village with the sea. Another option is the “Waddentour” walking route, marked with Waddentour signs. During the breeding season, from 15 March to 15 July, use the alternative “Rondwandeling Holwerd” route. When comparing walks, this information can help you choose a route based on its length, course or seasonal requirements.

The “Wadlopen naar Ameland” mudflat hike first crosses a challenging muddy area, then mainly follows firm sandbanks and passes through several channels. Conditions on the mudflats depend on the tide and weather. Sign-up takes place at the steps of the Land- en Zeezicht restaurant on the pier in Holwerd; check dates and availability in advance. The ferry and this mudflat hike are separate options, each with its own planning details.

Churches, a windmill and art

Today’s Sint-Willibrorduskerk is a prominent historic landmark in Holwerd: construction began in 1776, and its unusual layout is L-shaped. The 52-metre-high tower served for a long time as a navigational marker on the Wadden Sea. Most of the church’s furnishings date from the 17th and 18th centuries. Its organ was built by J.C. Scheuer in 1852 and modified by Bakker & Timmenga in 1907. Holwert is also one of the places whose protected village landscapes have been designated by the Dutch state in the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân.

Another church is the Doopsgezinde Kerk: built in 1850, this hall church has a tall front section beneath a transverse roof. It replaced a nearby Mennonite meeting house dating from 1692. Its furnishings include a one-manual organ by Bakker and Timmenga, dating from 1905. The two churches therefore offer different points of interest on a walk: at the Sint-Willibrorduskerk, these include its L-shaped layout and tall tower; at the Doopsgezinde Kerk, its architectural design and connection to the former meeting house.

The De Hoop windmill also combines engineering and use: this octagonal gallery Dutch windmill dates back at least to around 1743, and its sails have a span of 23.65 metres. It is regularly operated by volunteers and used as a teaching mill; no fixed visiting hours are specified. You can also encounter art along the way: the “Walk Holwerd aan Zee” excursion passes Linette van Raven’s artwork “De mannen van Holwerd.” The installation “Wachten op hoog water” features two five-metre-high female figures welded from metal, gazing out to sea. Its theme is the search for balance and exchange.

Discover more destinations: Wierum, Moddergat, Hantum, Waaxens Gem Dongeradeel, Oostmahorn, Anjum, Niawier, Ee.

For the regional travel overview: Dongeradeel.