Paddle 9 km along the Amstelmeer Canal from Den Oever to De Haukes, a peaceful canoe, kayak, and SUP route through the former island of Wieringen.
Paddling through a forgotten island
The Amstelmeer Canal connects two worlds: the bustling harbour village of Den Oever on the IJsselmeer with the tranquil De Haukes on the Amstelmeer. In between, you lie on the waters of the former island of Wieringen—a quiet, green strip of land that most visitors simply drive past on the A7. This 9 km long canoe, kayak, and SUP route was officially opened in June 2026 as part of the new waterways of the municipality of Hollands Kroon. Discover Hollands Kroon at its most tranquil, from the water.
Along jetties and open polder horizon
You start at the harbor of Den Oever, close to the Afsluitdijk. Here you can smell the IJsselmeer, old fishing vessels lie at anchor, and you look out over a vast watery landscape. You sail onto the Amstelmeer Canal and leave the village behind you. The canal runs along the southern edge of the former island of Wieringen. To the left and right, open meadows, low horizons, and cloudy skies that feel high and wide.
Along the way, you will pass several jetties where you can moor. Step out for a moment, stretch your legs, and look around. The route takes you through an agricultural polder landscape full of meadow birds. Black-tailed godwits, lapwings, and herons will keep you company. In spring, they breed along the banks, so paddle quietly and at a suitable distance. After about 8.5 km, you reach the beautiful new canoe jetties at De Haukes. Here, the canal flows into the Amstelmeer, a protected small lake that is part of the Natura 2000 area. You won't be paddling fast, but you will see a lot.
Listen to the free podcast from the Municipality of Hollands Kroon about Den Oever, De Haukes, and the history of Wieringen along the way. A great way to add extra depth to the route.
Highlights along the way
- Port of Den Oever More than just a starting point: the port is home to historic ships, including the Wieringer Skuutje WR60 (built in 1840), the oldest still-sailing fishing vessel in the Netherlands. The atmosphere of the fishing port and Wadden Sea waters immediately sets the tone.
- The Amstelmeer Canal The canal follows the southern edge of Wieringen and offers a quiet, virtually car-free boating experience. New canoe jetties (constructed in 2025) make stopping easy and comfortable.
- Meadow birds and open polder air. The banks along the canal are a paradise for meadow birds. Those who paddle quietly will see black-tailed godwits, lapwings, herons, and ducks up close.
- De Haukes and the Amstelmeer. Arrival at the quiet little harbor of De Haukes on the Amstelmeer. This small, protected lake is a beautiful place to relax after your trip.
From island to polder: the story behind the water
For centuries, Wieringen was a Wadden Island. After the closure of the Amsteldiep in 1924, the construction of the Afsluitdijk, and the reclamation of the Wieringermeerpolder, the island became part of the mainland. The Amstelmeer Canal is a direct remnant of that radical landscape change. Whoever paddles here literally sails across the boundary between old island land and young polder.
Tips and practical information
- Own equipment: Bring your own canoe, kayak, or SUP. There is no rental point listed directly along the route; check local providers in Den Oever or De Haukes.
- Public transport accessibility: Den Oever is accessible by bus from Den Helder (Den Helder bus station has a train connection). Plan your journey by public transport via 9292.nl.
- Podcast: Listen to the free podcast from the Municipality of Hollands Kroon about Den Oever and De Haukes on the go via the route page on hollandskroon.nl.
- Jetties: There are several jetties for canoes and SUPs along the route, including at the Wieringerrandweg and at De Haukes.
- Meadow birds: During the breeding season (March–June), keep a sufficient distance from the banks and paddle quietly past vegetation.
- Dogs: Bringing them on the boat is permitted; please respect the peace and quiet of meadow birds along the bank.
- Signage: Information boards are located at the jetties along the route. Follow the canal; the route is straightforward.
- Sustainable tip: Coming from far away? Den Helder has a train station — take the bus to Den Oever and you can leave the car at home.
