With this stage, we make a brief leap to the other end of North Holland. To Den Oever, where the Afsluitdijk is located—the dike between North Holland and Friesland that separates the IJsselmeer from the Wadden Sea. Here, you walk straight across the former island of Wieringen, with its quintessential Dutch nature and panoramic views.
The Oever
Den Oever is an important fishing port. Smell the fish, experience the hustle and bustle and the true Wadden Sea feeling just a little further along the dike. On Fridays, it is a hive of activity here. That is when the fishing boats come in with their fresh catch. On Saturdays, private individuals can also visit the fish auction to buy fish. If you are staying longer in Den Oever, head out onto the Wadden Sea as well. It is a favorite spot for the thousands of birds that settle here in all seasons.
Viking Information Center
The Viking Information Centre is also located in Den Oever. As early as the early Middle Ages, they came here from Denmark. In 1996, a genuine Viking silver hoard was found at Westerklief. In the museum, you can view the jewelry and weapons from that era, as well as a replica of a Viking ship.
Wieringermeerpolder
The stage to De Haukes is an exploration of the former island of Wieringen, which is bordered on one side by water and on the other by the Wieringermeerpolder (3.5 meters below sea level). A quintessentially Dutch open and vast landscape with fascinating vistas and winding sea dikes. The special atmosphere is also created by a gently undulating landscape. Formed during the penultimate Ice Age, when two boulder clay hills were pushed up to 12 meters above sea level. This is clearly visible at the endpoint, the small harbor of De Haukes. The dike you walk along is one of the last remaining historic seaweed dikes in North Holland. It has been on the list of national monuments since 1986. Take a good look around here as well, because a rare purple thistle grows near Hippolytushoef.
