Tour of the Amstelmeer

We start this cycling route at junction 21 on the Amstelmeer. Originally, the lake, then known as the Amsteldiep, formed a transition between the Wadden Sea and the Zuiderzee. To the north, it still borders the Wadden Sea, from which it is separated by the Amsteldieperdijk. With the construction of this dike on the north side and the Wieringermeerpolder on the southeast side between 1920 and 1930, the Amstelmeer became freshwater that is no longer connected to the open sea. The Amstelmeer is very popular among water sports enthusiasts; windsurfing, in particular, is popular there. The relatively new sport of kitesurfing is also widely practiced on the Amstelmeer. In the harbor of De Haukes, there are mostly sailboats belonging to private individuals who are members of associations: for example, WV Amstelmeer. Navy personnel also receive sailing lessons in so-called B2 sailing sloops from this harbor. Consequently, you will find the Marine Watersport Vereniging here. Finally, there is also a shipyard in this harbor.