Look Listen Dyke
Hoorn, North Holland, The Netherlands
Cycling route: 2720574
Provided by: Bureau Toerisme Laag Holland
45.0 km
02:38 h
793 kcal
4 m
Description
The dike between Hoorn and Amsterdam appears to be quiet. But he has been through a lot over the centuries. And he is happy to talk about that. In'Look Listen Dijk\\\' the dike takes you into its world, through 14 different places.
At each location a different short story about living with the water, told by a quirky dike who has seen it all. The dike enthusiastically talks about the naval battles he has seen, the animals he loves, and the materials he is made of. But also about his complicated relationship with pumping stations and locks, the painful origins of his bends and his special bond with residents.
This'podcast on location\\\' was commissioned by the Alliance Markermeerdijken , Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier and the Province of North Holland .
Episode 1. The real theater of Hoorn
You are standing next to the beautiful city theater of Hoorn. But the real theater is Hoornse Hop. Because a crazy spectacle took place there centuries ago. And I was there.
Location: You are standing to the left of the Hoorn city theater, next to the footpath, looking over the Hoornse Hop.
Episode 2. A dyke in retirement
How long have I been lying here? Centuries. I protected the hinterland first against a sea, later against this lake. But even a hell of a dyke like me has once fought tiredly. Luckily I wasn't completely replaced. And I received help from an unexpected source.
Location: You are at the parking lot in the Galgenbocht, near Hoorn.
Episode 3. Every turn a scar
See those curves? Most people think they are beautiful. They find me picturesque and authentic as a winding dike. But let me tell you what: those curves are there for a reason. A hint? It has to do with that monument you see nearby.
Location: at Monument de Weel in Schardam.
Episode 4. No water allowed
As a dike, I work closely with pumping stations and locks. But our working methods do not fit together perfectly. Because where it is very clear to me - water does not get through, pumping stations are a lot less black and white in their water work. So that sometimes clashes.
Location: On top of Pumping Station C. Mantel in Schardam.
Episode 5. The village versus the water
Do you already know the story about Etersheim? No, not the Etersheim of today, but that of centuries ago. A village that did not make itself known. Moedig continued to fight against the powerful water. You can guess who won.
Location: On the dike, at the entrance to Etersheim, near the road to Oosthuizen
Episode 6. Pump or drown
You know what's funny? When tourists visit me here, I often hear the surprise in their voices. About how the Dutch live below sea level. But I never actually hear about it from Dutch people themselves. Except here, but this is also the second lowest place in the Netherlands.
Location: On the dike, opposite Gemaal Warder.
Episode 7. Shipbuilders of Edam
When this sweet lake was still a salty sea centuries ago, the city of Edam was known for shipbuilding. Fishermen, sailors, sail makers, rope makers everywhere. And like a dike I saw them all pass by up close, those enormous ships. But when this beautiful lock had to be built, everything changed.
Location: Next to the old sea lock on the Oorgat in Edam.
Episode 8. The Mystery of the Eel
Do you also love fish? Or better yet: eel? Oh I love those animals so much. Not to eat, as a dike I have been a vegetarian for centuries. But since the construction of the Afsluitdijk, the eel is one of the few fish I still see here. The most famous fish in Volendam, shrouded in a great mystery.
Location: At the beginning of the Noordeinde, at Wullempje beach, next to Hotel Spaanders in Volendam.
Episode 9. 1.2 Million
The nice thing about my job as a dike is that I know what I am doing it for: protecting 1.2 million people from the water. An enormous responsibility. Which I like to wear. But if I think about it for too long, sometimes my head starts to get dizzy. 1.2 million. Can you imagine it?
Location: On the dike in Katwoude, opposite the Willem Honingh ice cream parlour.
Episode 10. There are the Waterlanders
Welcome to Waterland. Yes, that's what it's called here. And for a reason, as you can see. All those villages you see here are home to people who have an interest in water. Because the water is a danger, but also a happiness. A source of annoyance and inspiration.
Location: On the dike in the Jan Hagelhoek
Welcome to Waterland. Yes, that's what it's called here. And for a reason, as you can see. All those villages you see here are home to people who have an interest in water. Because the water is a danger, but also a happiness. A source of annoyance and inspiration.
Location: On the dike in the Jan Hagelhoek
Episode 11. The final breakthrough
It's hard to imagine, but a disaster has happened in this place. During the storm surge of January 1916, the dike broke through. I wasn't strong enough. Not well prepared for the force of the water and the wind. Now I have a completely different attitude, and that's a good thing.
Location: On the Waterlandse Zeedijk, near the Diepe Gat, in Monnickendam.
Episode 12. Look, a lapwing!
What a view, eh? As a dike, I can watch this all the time. And it never gets boring, because there is always something happening. Migratory birds, meadow birds, rabbits, foxes, mice. They fly over me or crawl into me. I find it very enjoyable. But one animal is very special.
Location: Parking lot at intersection 518, on the sea wall looking over the Oosterpoel, just before Uitdam.
Episode 13. The people make the dike
Look, as a dyke I love people. After all, I am there for them. But I have a special bond with the residents of Uitdam. You can also see it: nowhere else do I get as close to the houses as here. The village and I are one. And no matter how much the world changes, that bond will always be there.
Location: On the dike, near the parking bay and stone stairs, on the south side of Uitdam.
Episode 14. How do you make a dike?
What kind of dyke do you think I'm made of? I didn't know it, but you don't just build a dike like me. There are people who study for years for that. Who come up with smart ideas about which materials are best to use, how to lay me down. And above all: how to support me.
Location: on the border of M15/M16 near Durgerdam
Height Profile
In Laag Holland are the rustic villages of yesteryear. While cycling you will find Dutch history in the beautiful straight polder lines and the protected city and village views. Low Holland is a national landscape. The Defense Line of Amsterdam and the Beemster have been placed on the World Heritage list by UNESCO.
Directions
| # | Description | Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
59 | 59 (1621JX, Hoorn, North Holland, The Netherlands) | 0.00 km | |
58 | 58 (1622KS, Hoorn, North Holland, The Netherlands) | 2.39 km | |
36 | 36 (1634DM, Koggenland, North Holland, The Netherlands) | 3.79 km | |
37 | 37 (Laag-Schardammerweg, 1476ND, Edam-Volendam, North Holland, The Netherlands) | 6.35 km | |
83 | 83 (1476, Edam-Volendam, North Holland, The Netherlands) | 7.43 km | |
64 | 64 (Warder, 1473PL, Edam-Volendam, North Holland, The Netherlands) | 12.30 km |
Reviews
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