In Hollands Kroon, waterways and dikes tell the story of a landscape that has changed and is still shaped by water. This can be seen on trips along tranquil waterways and in the history of Wieringen: the former island in the Zuiderzee was connected to the mainland in 1924, when the Afsluitdijk was completed. Visitors exploring the region can experience these different perspectives on the water, on foot and in museums.
Experience the water – on the water and along the shore
The Sloepennetwerk takes boaters along tranquil waterways, past picturesque villages and distinctive natural scenery. At Amstelmeer, Lutjestrand offers another way to spend time by the water, with a sandy beach, a swimming area, and separate zones for kiteboarding and windsurfing. Boating and stand-up paddleboarding are also possible. Recreational facilities and conditions may change, so check before taking part.
At Waddenbelevingspunt, visitors can look out over the surrounding area and, when conditions are suitable and interest allows, the night sky. Two telescopes are available there; the site is among the darkest in the Netherlands and is particularly suited to stargazing. From the car park at Vissershaven, an approximately 500-metre footpath leads over a narrow dike to the viewpoint. The lower platform is accessible to wheelchairs and mobility scooters; the upper one can only be reached via a spiral staircase. As accessibility details may change due to maintenance work, it is advisable to check before your visit.
Wieringen: Island history and maritime memories
Wieringen’s former island setting can be experienced on several routes and in its museums. The Westerland van Wieringen circular walk crosses the western tip of the former island, passing old villages, changes in elevation, sunken lanes and extensive pastures. The MUZ Route tells the story of the transformation from island to mainland through monuments commemorating the Zuiderzee Works; it is listed as 37.5 kilometres long. For a cycling route, “Langs zilt en zoet” offers an approximately 30-kilometre ride through nature, past manor houses, churches, farms and locks.
The Wieringen Eilandmuseum “Jan Lont” explores the daily lives and work of the island’s residents before the Afsluitdijk was built. Topics include livestock farming, eelgrass fishing, hunting and fishing. The WR60 also offers a glimpse into the maritime past: it is the only surviving Wieringer Skuutje from a former fleet of these fishing boats. The vessel was probably built around 1840 at Alkema’s shipyard in Makkum for fisherman Jan Tijsen from Den Oever. Today, it is used for excursion trips and as a training vessel; check in advance whether trips are available.
Museum De Turfschuur in Kolhorn offers another perspective on water. It explores the regional and local struggle against water and the ways the landscape has changed. A four-part model and a short video presentation explain 1,000 years of water management and landscape development. The museum also offers three free guided village walks as audio tours, available year-round, including when the museum is closed. Check what is available before setting out.
Routes for different interests
The routes differ not only in length, but also in how they explore the surroundings. The Wieringen walking route is 15.8 kilometres long and enhances the walk with videos, images and stories via an app. The Kromme Grouwroute is a 7.15-kilometre walk starting and ending in Kolhorn; it follows an old peat river and a pre-war canal, and partly runs along grassy embankments. For paddlers, the 3.4-kilometre Vaarroute rondje Kolhorn is suitable for all experience levels. Check route lengths and conditions again before setting out.
Nature and local history also come together outdoors. In Dijkgatbos are the Wielen: two water-filled hollows more than 20 metres deep, formed when the dike was breached on 17 April 1945. Black alder and downy birch grow in Robbenoordbos, which is also home to numerous fungi. Poldertuin Anna Paulowna adds a seasonal touch with spring flowers from regional bulb growers. Volunteers maintain the garden each year; its flowering season, from mid-March to the end of April, varies with the weather.
Wildlife and regional produce
At Hoenderdaell animal park, rescued brown bears, ring-tailed lemurs, alpacas and a snow leopard are examples of the animal care and habitats designed to be as natural as possible. Visitors can also feed colourful lorikeets. The Stichting SOS Dolfijn runs an educational marine mammal rescue centre in the park and helps porpoises, dolphins and whales that have stranded or are at risk of stranding.
Farm and local business products are also part of everyday regional culture. The Zorgboerderij Dijkgatshoeve sells, among other things, organic produce from its own land in its farm shop; check opening arrangements before visiting. The Wieringer Frietkraam makes fresh fries from potatoes grown by Maarten Kikkert and also serves Wieringer beef stew and homemade croquettes. The selection may vary. In Hollands Kroon, the landscape is complemented by its history, wildlife and regional products, with a variety of ways to explore your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Westerland, Wieringerwaard, Kreileroord, Winkel, Barsingerhorn, Hippolytushoef, Kolhorn, Hoorn.
For the overview of the wider region: North Holland.
