Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk) Tours

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.
Practical Info
93 km (58 miles) north of Amsterdam. Take train from Amsterdam’s Centraal Station to Alkmaar, and then taxi to Afsluitdijk. Zuiderzeemuseum: Wierdijk 12– 22, 1601 LA Enkhuizen. Open daily 10am–5pm; admission adults €5, students & children aged between 4–12 €2.50.
Address: Den Oever, Netherlands
Hours: Open daily 10am–5pm
Admission: Adults: €5, Students & Children (4–12): €2.50
14 Tours and Activities to Experience Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk)
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Discover the Amsterdam Lake District and Tulip Fields Tour
This tour will take you outside of the busy city. Meadows, Cows, Ditches, Windmills, Dikes, Idyllic landscapes and many colorful tulip fields will bring you to the world famous Afsluitdijk. Explore this amazing dike and learn why and how it was built.
Next, get your camera’s ready in the picturesque open air museum village “Allingawier”. Our guests love this wonderful picturesque village.
After lunch it’s time to visit an authentic village: Woudsend. Famous for its watersports but also churches and windmills. A local guide will bring you accross streets, windmills and will introduce you to the miller.
Now it’s time to for a unique moment. Take a walk through the tulip fields. The tulips are only blooming a couple of weeks during spring time. So strike a pose, smile and take your pictures.
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From
$196.39
From
$196.39

Netherlands Tulip fields, Windmills and Local Experiences Tour
Get out of Amsterdam for a look at the Dutch countryside on this day trip that introduces you to tulip fields and other rural sights. You'll see and visit windmills, cows, and open-air museum village, and a cheese farm while learning about the lifestyle and industries of the Netherlands outside the city. This tour allows you to avoid the hassle of renting a car and finding your own way around the country so you can relax and enjoy a pre-planned journey.
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$196.39
From
$196.39

Surprise Tour to the Amsterdam Lake District
Are you ready for a surprise trip? We promise it will be a unique journey where you discover the Netherlands at its best within a small group. But we won't tell you where we're going. Just book and let us surprise you along the way.
Meadows, cows, ditches, windmills, dikes, farms, Frisian horses, local villages, a steam pumping station, a local museum, a museum village, UNESCO world heritage, local guides, traditional clothing, a cruise over the lakes… There is so much to see so anything is possible and every tour is different. The only thing you need to do is sit back, relax and enjoy this unique day in which we will surprise you with the best of the area.
Do you have any specific wishes? Just send us an e-mail and we will try to make it happen.
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$196.39
From
$196.39

Holland Dutch Golden Age Private Tour (Choice of your Own Itineraries)
Choose your own adventure on this fully customizable private tour of the Netherlands. Choose from a list of top destinations; pick three that interest you the most to build your itinerary. Travel in a luxury minivan with your private group, which makes it easy to get between sites. Your guide will provide insightful commentary and answer any questions.
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From
$773.22
per group
From
$773.22
per group

Explore the Secret Amsterdam Lake District
Canals, dikes, windmills, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. . . these could all be on your day tour of the Amsterdam Lake District. But the stops are a secret; you'll have to trust your guide to show you the best of the area and provide engaging guided commentary. Multiple stops ensure you'll get an overview of what life is like outside of Amsterdam, and the included Dutch farmer's lunch means you'll end the day tour with a full belly.
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From
$196.39
From
$196.39

Frisian Art, Planetarium and Steam VIP tour
“An out of the ordinary tour which completed our trip to the Netherlands”
This tour is different then all other tours which you will find. Travelling is a small group, with a maximum of 8 guests, in a comfortable minivan will make this a day you will remember.
Your enthusiastic local guide will tell you everything you want to know; about the Netherlands, about Dutch watermanagement and everything else you would like to know. And then there are local guides at the locations who will tell you all the insights about these magnificant locations.
A delicious lunch in a cozy restaurant is included. And since you are travelling in a small group, there is no rush, just fun, exploring, learning and enjoying.
“This out of the ordinary tour will complete your trip to the Netherlands”
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From
$219.86
From
$219.86

Hidden Treasures of the Dutch Countryside
Leave the planning up to your guide on this day tour of the Amsterdam Lake District. Through several stops in the area, you'll get to know the history and culture through guided commentary, but here's the fun part: the stops are secret and decided by the guide on the day of the tour. But rest assured you'll leave with an overview of the area, as well as a full belly from the provided Dutch farmer's lunch.
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From
$196.39
From
$196.39

Dutch Countryside and Tulip Fields Tour
Swap the city for the countryside and spend your day exploring some of the natural beauty within easy reach of Amsterdam. This guided tour takes you to see such marvels as the open-air museum of Het Friese Museumdorp, the picturesque village of Hindeloopen, hidden away in the center of Friesland, and a colorful field of tulips. Lunch is included.
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$196.39
From
$196.39

The Netherlands beyond Amsterdam and Tulip Fields Tour
There’s more to the Netherlands than Amsterdam. With this hassle-free day trip from Amsterdam, explore the Dutch countryside and learn about Dutch culture without spending multiple days out of town. See windmills, colorful tulip fields, the Enclosing Dike (Afsluitdijk), and the historic harbor town of Hindeloopen. Plus, you’ll save yourself the hassle of trip planning with transportation and lunch included.
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$196.39
From
$196.39

Northern Highlights Tour: visit 4 magnificent places from Amsterdam
The Beautiful windmills of the “Zaanse schans”, a world famous dyke, a historic Frisian town and the “Muiderslot”, one of the most beautiful medieval castles in the world. This tour really has it all!
Go for unforgettable! Our tours offer The Netherlands at its best. More distance, more adventure, no tourist traps. Best value for money.
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From
$122.28
From
$122.28
Face masks provided for travelers
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Hidden Gems Tour: visit 5 unforgettable places from Amsterdam
This very special daytrip takes you to lesser known, but truly magical places. See the monumental village of “De Rijp” and the magnificent windmill of Schermerhorn. Experience the oldest working planetarium in the world and be amazed by the mystery of the mummies of Wieuwerd!
We show you The Netherlands at its best! Our tours offer best value for money; more distance, more adventure, no tourist traps.
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From
$122.28
From
$122.28
Face masks provided for travelers
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Discover The Netherlands Private Tour
This private tour offers an unforgettable acquaintanceship with The Netherlands! Starting at Amsterdam, we drive into the country for hundreds of kilometers to visit 5 very different and truly amazing places: a picturesque village off the beaten track, a magnificant windmill, the world famous "Afsluitdijk", a charming fishing village and even one of the most beautiful medieval castles of Europe. Experience The Netherlands at its best!
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From
$679.33
per group
From
$679.33
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Private Hidden Gems Tour: visit 5 unforgettable places from Amsterdam
This very special daytrip takes you to lesser known, but truly magical places. See the monumental village of “De Rijp”, the magnificent windmill of Schermerhorn and the 32 km long enclosing dyke. Experience the oldest working planetarium in the world and be amazed by the mystery of the mummies of Wieuwerd!
We show you The Netherlands at its best! Our tours offer best value for money; more distance, more adventure, no tourist traps.
…More
From
$679.33
per group
From
$679.33
per group
Face masks provided for travelers
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
Guides required to regularly wash hands

Frisian Culture and Heritage Tulip Fields Tours
The province of Friesland is considered to be the most beautiful province of the Netherlands. In 2018 Friesland ranked 3rd on the list of “top 10 best European destinations” according to travel guide Lonely Planet. That titled Friesland to be a “real hidden treasure”. With its own culture, heritage, language, flag, pride, and independence the province stands out from the rest of the country.
Take a look inside life in this beautiful province where most of the land lies below sea level. Escape the busy city center to learn more about the culture and heritage and experience the beautiful countryside. Meadows, Cows, Windmills, Dikes and many colorful Tulip fields will bring you to the world-famous Afsluitdijk, the Gateway to Friesland.
Furthermore, you will discover a frozen in time open-air museum village, the picturesque city of Hindeloopen, and ultimately you will discover the world-famous Dutch tulip fields.
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From
$196.39
From
$196.39
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