Walk the Blue Ferry Route (3.9 km) through the Robbenoord Forest near Wieringerwerf. Cross the Hoge Kwelvaart for free on a cable ferry and enjoy beautiful forest paths!
An adventurous stroll with the cable ferry
Who says walking has to be predictable? The Blue Ferry Route in the Robbenoord Forest near Wieringerwerf surprises with a unique highlight: a free crossing on a self-service cable ferry over the Hoge Kwelvaart. This charming 3.9-kilometer short walk is one of the most special walking routes in the northern part of North Holland.
Directions
You begin the walk in Wieringerwerf, a quiet village in the former Wieringermeer. From the starting point, you walk through the atmospheric Robbenoordbos, a varied forest with wide avenues, dense groves of trees, and a silence that immediately touches you. You smell the scent of pine and hear the rustling of the trees when the wind is blowing.
Halfway through the route comes the big moment: you cross the Hoge Kwelvaart and operate the small blue cable ferry yourself. You grab the rope and pull yourself to the other side – an experience that makes even adults happy. On the other side, you enter the southern part of the Robbenoordbos, where you walk through the greenery along beautiful, unpaved forest paths. In spring, you see flowering woodland plants, and in autumn, the trees turn beautiful colors.
The route is predominantly flat, ideal for a relaxed afternoon. After the short walk, you return to the starting point in Wieringerwerf.
Highlights along the way
- The cable ferry across the Hoge Kwelvaart – Free, self-service, available all day. A childlike pleasure that no one forgets.
- The Robbenoord Forest – A special forest that was planted for timber production after the reclamation of the Wieringermeer. Now a rustic recreational area.
- Forest landscape and nature – The route largely follows unpaved forest paths in a quiet, green environment.
- Wieringerwerf – The starting point is located in this characteristic polder village, surrounded by the agricultural polder landscape.
Background story
The Robbenoord Forest is no ordinary forest. After the reclamation of the Wieringermeer in 1930, the soil around Robbenoord proved to be too wet and too susceptible to seepage for agriculture. The seepage – water welling up from the Wadden Sea and the IJsselmeer – made arable farming difficult. Therefore, the decision was made to plant trees in the area. The forest served as a timber production forest for decades and now forms a green recreational area in the middle of the open polder landscape of North Holland.
Tips and practical information
- Distance: 3.9 km | Duration: approx. 45–60 minutes | Elevation gain: minimal
- Cable ferry: Free access, daily all year round, self-service (chain ferry, max. 4 pedestrians)
- Dogs: Welcome, please take the ferry into account (maximum capacity)
- Signposting: The route is part of the North Holland Walking Network (junction route)
- Accessibility: Unpaved path, not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers
- Accessibility by public transport: Wieringerwerf is accessible by bus from Den Helder and Hoorn (regional bus). Check the current timetable via 9292.nl. Consider taking the train to Den Helder and the bus from there to Wieringerwerf.
- Season: Attractive all year round; spring and autumn are especially beautiful due to the floral splendor and foliage colors.
This route takes you through a special polder natural landscape with a unique cable ferry experience.
Kenmerken
- Onverhard
