Discover 't Wierholt: a rolling young forest in the Robbenoordbos near Wieringerwerf — a special short walk of approx. 3 km in the northernmost part of North Holland.
Undulating forest on the edge of the Wieringermeer
Deep in the Robbenoord Forest, practically right up against the Afsluitdijk, hides a walk you won't find anywhere else in North Holland: the Wierholt Route. The heart of this green route is 't Wierholt — a section of new forest specially planted in 2005, featuring intentionally undulating paths and a genuine hill with a viewpoint. The result is a short stroll full of surprises in a landscape that tells its own story. The route is located in the Kop van Noord-Holland, in the municipality of Hollands Kroon, and complements the other walks offered by Staatsbosbeheer in the Robbenoord Forest.
Through young forest with an old feel
From the starting point on Sluitgatweg, you immediately step into a semi-open world. The Robbenoordbos is varied: open grasslands alternate with dense rows of trees, and along the edges you can hear the wind howling across the polder ditch region. At 't Wierholt itself, things are different — here the paths wind through young forest plantations that already exude a robust green atmosphere. The ground rises and falls slightly, as the terrain was deliberately laid out on a slope. This is entirely unusual for a polder, where everything is naturally flat.
At the highest point of the route, you reach the viewpoint. From here, you look out over the Dijkgatsweide and the surrounding polder landscape. Roe deer are regularly sighted here in the early morning or at dusk. The Robbenoordbos lies on the migration route of rare birds, so bringing binoculars is definitely worthwhile. In spring, the cooing of wood pigeons echoes through the forest; in autumn, the paths are strewn with leaves and mushrooms buzz on the tree stumps.
The route is mapped out in two directions, so you can decide for yourself how to complete the loop. Dogs are welcome, but must be kept on a leash.
Highlights along the way
- 't Wierholt — The heart of the route: a patch of forest planted in 2005 with undulating paths and a small hill. Rare and unexpected in the otherwise flat polder area.
- Viewpoint on the hill — The highest point of the route offers a panoramic view over the Dijkgatsweide. An ideal moment to spot birds and roe deer in peace and quiet.
- Robbenoordbos — A forest area of about 750 hectares, directly bordering the open polder landscape of the Wieringermeer. Wonderfully quiet, virtually deserted, certainly on weekdays.
New forest in a drained lake
Until 1930, the Wieringermeerpolder was still a large lake. After the drainage, the area was developed as an agricultural polder, but nature was also given a place: Staatsbosbeheer created the Robbenoordbos in the northernmost part of North Holland. 't Wierholt is a later addition — created in 2005 to offer walkers a playful, varied experience in this young forest landscape. The name 'Robbenoordbos' is a reminder of the former island of Wieringen, which used to bear the name 'Robbenhoord' for its northern tip.
