From Anna Paulowna to Wieringerwaard, on Het Ziltepad, you follow the centuries-old traces of a medieval tidal channel in the varied polder landscape.
Straight through a salty past
This stage of Het Ziltepad takes you on a fascinating journey through the Kop van Noord-Holland, where the history of land reclamation and dike construction is tangibly present. The route reveals the hidden beauty of a landscape that was once a wild tidal channel. A perfect route for adventure seekers looking for authenticity, tranquility, and a deeper understanding of the North Holland landscape. Dive into history and let yourself be surprised by the stories the land tells you.
Where the sea once flowed
You start your walk in characteristic Anna Paulowna, a village that rose in 1846 from the Lage Oude Veer, a remnant of that medieval tidal channel. Soon, you are walking along rugged creek ridges that mark the meandering course of the water of yesteryear. You smell the salty polder air and hear the vastness of the land, punctuated by the calls of meadow birds. Via winding paths along creeks, you see how straight farm roads alternate with these unexpected, natural structures. A highlight is the passage over the impressive Westfriese Omringdijk, a medieval defensive structure from the thirteenth century. Enjoy the sweeping views over rich meadow bird grassland, where many bird species breed and rest in spring and summer. This is a vivid example of how man has shaped the landscape over the centuries – a silent battle against the water that you can still truly experience here.
