Wierdijk - Westerland

The Wierdijk is the historic sea dyke on the south side of the former island of Wieringen. Construction of this dyke began in the 16th century, after a storm surge in 1514 made it clear that it was necessary. It was not until the middle of the 16th century that the southern part of the dyke was completed.

The dyke consists of an earthen dyke body with a vertical seaweed belt on the sea side. This seaweed belt, made of compressed seaweed, supported the ground body of the dyke. Seaweed, which grew locally, was used for the construction. The salt in the seaweed ensured good preservation. Wooden stakes were driven into the ground to keep the seaweed in place.

The seaweed, from which Wieringen derives its name, grew in abundance around the island at the time. The construction of the Zuiderzee Works put an end to this. The quality of the seaweed deteriorated and it eventually disappeared altogether. The seaweed used in the restoration of the Wierdijk comes from the German part of the Baltic Sea.

The Wierdijk is the only authentic Wierdijk remaining in North Holland and was declared a provincial monument in 1986.

Photo: ©Kenneth Stamp, Municipality of Hollands Kroon