

Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk) Tours and Activities
In 1932, the North Sea coastline of The Netherlands was sealed off by a 30-km (19-mile) dike, connecting the province of Noord-Holland with Friesland. The Afsluitdijk stands 100 meters (328 feet) wide and sits seven meters (23 feet) above sea level, and this outstanding feat of hydraulic engineering closed the mouth of the saltwater Zuiderzee (Southern Sea), shortening the coastline and giving Amsterdam and other low-lying towns protection from repeated flooding by the sea.
In time the Zuiderzee became the freshwater Ijsselmeer – one of the largest lakes in Western Europe – and while large areas of land were reclaimed for farming and housing, many residents of the outlying fishing villages lost their livelihoods. Towns including Volendam, Makkum, Hoorn and Harderwijk turned to tourism for a new lease of life; today the region is a paradise for walkers and cyclists – the 405-km (252-mile) Zuiderzee Cycle Route circles the Ijsselmeer – while the Zuiderzeemuseum at Enkhuizen recalls past times with reconstructed buildings, fishing boats, windmills and displays of traditional Dutch crafts in an open-air museum. Other towns including Medemblik have become top spots for water sports, while former islands such as Marken are now connected to the mainland; its pretty green-gabled village is one of the most popular with visitors to the region.
Tours and Activities to Experience Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk)
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14 results

Dutch Countryside and Tulip Fields Tour

Discover the Amsterdam Lake District and Tulip Fields Tour

Explore the Secret Amsterdam Lake District

Netherlands Tulip fields, Windmills and Local Experiences Tour

The Netherlands beyond Amsterdam and Tulip Fields Tour

Surprise Tour to the Amsterdam Lake District

Frisian Culture and Heritage Tulip Fields Tours

Holland Dutch Golden Age Private Tour (Choice of your Own Itineraries)

Northern Highlights Tour: visit 4 magnificent places from Amsterdam

Private Hidden Gems Tour: visit 5 unforgettable places from Amsterdam

Discover The Netherlands Private Tour

Hidden Treasures of the Dutch Countryside

Hidden Gems Tour: visit 5 unforgettable places from Amsterdam

Frisian Art, Planetarium and Steam VIP tour
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