Top 10 Interesting Facts about Afsluitdijk

The Afsluitdijk looking north-eastwards towards Friesland from the monument tower. Photo by C messier on Wikimedia

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Afsluitdijk

The Afsluitdijk is one of the major dams and causeways located in the Netherlands. The Afsluitdijk was constructed between 1927 and 1932.

It runs from Den Oever in the North Holland province through to the village of Zurich in Friesland province. The Afsluitdijk is more than thirty-two kilometres in length, has a width of ninety metres and stands at an initial height of 7.25 metres above sea level.

This was a fundamental part of the Zuiderzee Works. It was previously meant to damming off the salt water inlet of the North Sea and turn it into fresh water which was emptied into lake Ijsselmeer.

The Afsluitdijk is a quicker road connection between the Netherlands North and West. It was named the major land-winning project.

The speed limits on the motorway on Afsluitdijk have always been at 130 km/h which is the highest on any road in the Netherlands. Users of the Afsluitdijk pass through several monuments and view some beautiful sites on the way.

Here are the top 10 Interesting Facts about Afsluitdijk;

1. The Afsluitdijk Project was Previously Opposed due to High Cost

The Afsluitdijk project did not begin immediately after it was tabled. Lely who was the Minister of Water and Management brought up the idea of this mega project.

In 1913, Lely urged the building of the dam for land reclamation but his idea was opposed. The main reason for opposing this project was particularly due to the high costs and effect on the fishing industry. However, after the flood of 1916 and the 1918 famine, this project was accepted and passed by Parliament.

2. It Took 9 Years for Actual Building after the Project was Formally Tabled

Afsluitdijk. Photo by BenTheWikiMan on Wikimedia

After the floods of the 1916 and 1918 famine, the idea of building and investing in Afsluitdijk was accepted by the Parliament. The proposal for this project had been forwarded by Lely in 1913.

In 1918, the parliament approved and funded the beginning of this mega project. However, it took nine years for the construction to begin. In 1927, the official work on Afsluitdijk commenced.

3. Ten Thousand Workers and Modern Equipment was used to Construct the Dyke

There was the need to construct a dyke that could connect and complete the Afsluitdijk. This took a whole workforce because of the workload for the completion of this mega project.

At least ten thousand workers were deployed to work on this project. Modernised equipment was used in building the dyke.

Twenty-seven (27) large dredges, thirteen floating cranes, one hundred and thirty-two barges and eighty-eight tugs worked on this major project. The project affected different strengths of the tides but it was finished on 28th May 1932.

4. A Statue of Cornelis Lely was Unveiled by Queen Juliana

Statue of it. Cornelis Lely on the Afsluitdijk door. Photo by Agnes Monkelbaan on Wikimedia

There are several monuments on the Afsluitdijk. Among them is the statue of Cornelis Lely the Minister of Water and Management who came up with the idea of this project.

On 23rd September 1954, the statue of Cornelis Lely made by Mari Andriessen was officially unveiled by Queen Juliana. The statue was previously on the North Holland side of the Afsluitdijk.

On 9th May 2007, the statue was relocated near the Vlieter monument. On 24th May 2007 during the 75th anniversary of the dyke, the relocated statue was unveiled by Prince Willem-Alexander.

5. Germany Tried to Seize Afsluitdijk during the Battle of the Afsluitdijk

During World War Two there was an attempt to take over the Afsluitdijk. Germany Wehrmacht forces tried to seize Afsluitdijk but were unsuccessful.

The battle of Afsluitdijk took place on 12th to 14th May 1940. The German forces had tried to invade the Netherlands but they were not successful.

Plans which were in place by Germany were to launch simultaneous attacks on Vesting Holland from various directions. However, their plans were not successful.

6. The Futuristic Entrance to The Afsluitdijk

Afsluitdijk. Photo by Jason mp on Wikimedia

The Afsluitdijk is another beautiful sight for visitors who visit the Netherlands. One of the beauties of the Afsluitdijk is the welcoming Gates of Light.

There is a futuristic entrance on both ends of the dyke. The Gates of Light was inspired by the retro-reflective wings of butterflies.

The creator, Daan Roosegaarde brought a new light to the 60 monumental floodgates. The layer of retro-reflective is illuminated by the passing cars’ headlamps.

7. The Afsluitdijk has a Tribute to The Dutch Astronaut as Windvogel

A tribute to the Dutch astronaut Wubbo Ockels in form of windvogel is on the Afsluitdijk. The astronaut had a dream to realise smart kites which generate power by staying aloft for a long.

The Windvogel on the Afsluitdijk creates a beautiful scene at night. The cables are lit by the green light and tend to move simultaneously with the wind.

8. There’s an Exhibition of Glowing Nature

Statue of Cornelis Lely on the Afsluitdijk in the Netherlands. Photo by Bennie91 on Wikimedia

One of the historical bunkers on the Afsluitdijk has significant importance to nature. The glowing Nature exhibition located in the bunker expresses the beauty of nature on the Afsluitdijk.

The encounter between man, biology and technology is clearly shown through an experience with live algae. Perfect maintenance of the oldest microorganisms in the world makes them emit natural light for long hours.

9. The Lunchroom Het Monument where Visitors get Refreshments

The journey to get to the Afsluitdijk might sometimes be so tiring for first-time visitors. However, on reaching the Afsluitdijk, visitors can get their refreshments.

At the Lunchroom Het Monument, visitors get a cup of tea and other cooling drinks as well as a meal. On the Lunchroom Het Monument, there is a watchtower that was designed by Dudok.

10. Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre

Observation Tower, view from the pedestrian bridge. Photo by Directdevice on Wikimedia

Another brilliant monument or building on the Afsluitdijk is the Afsluitdijk Wadden Centre. This striking building is near Kornwerderzand.

The Centre offers various interactive experiences in conjunction with the UNESCO World Heritage site the Wadden Sea. They include the unique Fish Migration River, the Ijsselmeer area and the developments around and on the dike.

Visitors are given a tour around and see the vivid picture of the Afsluitdijk and its surroundings. This centre is also excellent for learning more about the Afsluitdijk and the history of Holland.

The Afsluitdijk project evolved from being a protective idea against floods into tourist destinations were several visitors tour. With more development expected on the Afsluitdijk, it will be expanded to become a nice place to visit in the future.