The Afsluitdijk (translating as ” Enclosure dike”) is one of the wonders that Dutch people built to safeguard their country from the forces of nature. This iconic structure is not just a dike; it’s a symbol of Dutch resilience and ingenuity in the face of water management challenges.

Afsluitdijk history

This 32 kilometres long dike was built between 1927 and 1932 to close off the Zuiderzee to seal off the Zuiderzee, transforming it into what is now known as the IJsselmeer. By cutting the connection to the North Sea, the Afsluitdijk plays a critical role in protecting the Netherlands from potential flooding, a constant threat in this country that is in its majority under sea level. The construction of the Afsluitdijk was an ambitious and monumental project, reflecting the forward-thinking vision of Cornelis Lely, the engineer who first proposed the idea. Today, a statue of Lely watches over the dike, commemorating his contribution to Dutch infrastructure.

The Dual Purpose of the Afsluitdijk

The Afsluitdijk also functions as a motorway, connecting North Holland with the province of Friesland. It’s a lovely drive, and you can stop along the way to enjoy the view or visit the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre, to learn more about this engineering marvel and its environmental significance. At the moment (2021), the experience of driving on the dike is a bit ruined by the work that is going on, but we can’t complain about that, as maintaining the dike is vital. After 90 years, the Afsluitdijk is being renovated!

It will be heightened and given a new top layer, becoming stronger and therefore more reliable in doing its job, which is to protect the country from storms and flooding. Around 70.000 ultramodern concrete blocks, of 6.5 thousand kilograms each, will be placed on the flanks of the dike. These blocks will break the waves in case of a storm and they are designed to preserve the spectacular simplicity that gives the dike its unique character. Also, additional sluices and high capacity pumping stations will be built in Den Oever. In the future, these will be able to pump water out of the IJsselmeer into the Wadden Sea if necessary.

This renovation will also help the marine ecosystem, as there’s a big plan to build a Fish Migration River. When the Afsluitdijk was originally built, it disrupted the natural migration patterns of fish species like salmon and eels, cutting off their access between the IJsselmeer and the North Sea. The new Fish Migration River aims to rectify this by providing a passageway through the dike, allowing these species to migrate freely once again. This development is expected to be a game-changer for the local marine ecosystem, revitalising fish populations and improving biodiversity. I hope the fish news is broadcasting this on the fish TV, because it’s big news for salmon and eels!

Visiting the Afsluitdijk

I first visited the Afsluitdijk this spring, when I went to Friesland for the first time. Standing on this massive structure, it’s impossible not to appreciate the enormous effort and ingenuity that went into its construction. I also loved the contrast between the Wadden Sea on one side and the IJsselmeer on the other, offering a unique sight, with each body of water exhibiting distinct colours and characteristics.

I believe this is a must see for everyone interested interested in Dutch history, engineering, or nature. So, if you have the chance, don’t miss the opportunity drive over the dike.

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