Get a breath of fresh air on the Westfriese Omringdijk

The West Frisian Omringdijk
A large part of this route takes you over the Westfriese Omringdijk. This 126 kilometer long dike has protected West Friesland from the sea for centuries. The dike still meanders through the landscape in many places, but it has largely lost its function as a water barrier. Only between Hoorn and Medemblik does the dike still provide protection against seawater. Here you can get a breath of fresh air along the IJsselmeer and enjoy the panoramic views. At Oosterdijk you can clearly see that the water on one side of the dike is higher than the land on the other side. Not surprising, since a large part of the Netherlands is below sea level.

The Koopmanspolder
Between Andijk and Wervershoof you cycle along the Koopmanspolder. The everyday domestic grassland with ponds has been transformed here into a true work of art in the shape of a whirlpool. Visual artist Ben Raaijman designed the shape of the polder. So you can feast your eyes here. You can cover the distance between junction 90 and junction 60 with the steam tram from Medemblik to Hoorn. A very nice experience! View the current timetable .

The power of steam
Westfriesland has even more to offer in the field of steam in addition to the historic steam tram. For example, in Oosterdijk you can visit the Dutch Steam Engine Museum. This museum is located in the former pumping station 'Vier Noorder Kogge' from 1869. Here you can experience what life was like about a hundred years ago when there was no electricity yet. Steam was then used to set all kinds of machines in motion, including the steam pumping station.