Exploring the Wonders of the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center
Discover the intersection of technology, nature, and culture at the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center, a must-visit destination in the Netherlands.
Nestled along the iconic Afsluitdijk, the Wadden Center is a unique destination for tourists eager to discover the rich maritime history and technology of the Netherlands while enjoying stunning views of the Wadden Sea.
A brief summary to Afsluitdijk Wadden Center
- Afsluitdijk 1c, Kornwerderzand, 8752 TP, NL
- +31517723026
- Visit website
- Wednesday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 9 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience, as weekends tend to attract more visitors.
- Check the local weather before your visit; the views of the Wadden Sea are best enjoyed on clear days.
- Don’t miss the local dishes at the restaurant, especially the seafood specialties that highlight the maritime heritage.
- Take advantage of the interactive exhibits, especially if traveling with children; they make learning fun!
- Allow at least half a day to fully explore the exhibits and enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
Getting There
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Car
If you are driving, head towards the Afsluitdijk by following the main roads from your current location in the IJsselmeer Polders. Use your GPS to navigate to Afsluitdijk 1c, 8752 TP Kornwerderzand. The Afsluitdijk Wadden Center is located right off the highway, and you will find parking available on-site. Keep in mind that you may have to pay for parking, depending on the duration of your visit.
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Public Transportation
To reach the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center using public transportation, you can take a train to the nearest station, which is either Harlingen or Leeuwarden. From Harlingen, take bus line 73 towards Kornwerderzand. The bus stop you need is 'Kornwerderzand, Afsluitdijk Wadden Center'. The journey by train from Amsterdam usually takes about 2-2.5 hours, and the bus ride is approximately 30 minutes. Ensure to check the bus schedules in advance, as they may vary throughout the week.
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Bicycle
For a more adventurous option, consider biking to the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center. There are dedicated bike paths from various locations in the IJsselmeer Polders. Make sure to have a map or GPS device handy. The bike ride can be quite scenic, but be prepared for a distance of around 20-30 km depending on your starting point. Additionally, check the weather and bring necessary gear for your journey.
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Taxi
If you prefer a more direct and comfortable way to reach the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center, consider taking a taxi. You can book a taxi from any location in the IJsselmeer Polders, and they will take you directly to Afsluitdijk 1c, Kornwerderzand. The cost may vary depending on your starting point, but expect to pay between €30-60 for a one-way trip.
Discover more about Afsluitdijk Wadden Center
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
UNESCO Werelderfgoed Waddenzee
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Menno Simons Monument
9.9 km
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Zuiderpier
11.9 km
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Wadden
11.9 km
Explore Wadden, a UNESCO World Heritage wetland in the Netherlands, featuring breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and endless outdoor adventures.
Zeilschip Frans Horjus
12.1 km
Experience maritime history aboard the Zeilschip Frans Horjus in Harlingen, a captivating tourist attraction for sailing enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Titus Brandsma Museum
12.3 km
Explore the legacy of Titus Brandsma at this insightful museum in Bolsward, celebrating courage, justice, and history in the heart of the Netherlands.
Waddenvereniging
12.4 km
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Harlinger Aardewerk & Tegelfabriek
12.5 km
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Engelse tuin
12.7 km
Experience the tranquility of Engelse Tuin in Harlingen, a peaceful park perfect for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying nature’s beauty.
Martenatuin
18.4 km
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11fountains - De Oortwolk Franeker
18.6 km
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De Rat, IJlst
20.3 km
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Witte- en Zwarte Brekken en Oudhof
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Van Harinxmakanaal
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Robbenoordbos
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Unmissable attractions to see
Casemates Museum
0.4 km
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The Afsluitdijk
1.9 km
Explore the Afsluitdijk, a breathtaking 32-kilometer dam in the Netherlands, combining stunning landscapes with rich engineering history.
De Man
11.7 km
Discover De Man, a remarkable monument in Harlingen, celebrating the maritime legacy of the Netherlands amidst picturesque coastal beauty.
11Fountains - De Walvis
12.0 km
Experience the art and culture of Harlingen at 11Fountains - De Walvis, where the beauty of water and creativity unite in an unforgettable display.
Harlingen Lighthouse
12.2 km
Explore the Harlingen Lighthouse, a historic landmark offering stunning views and insights into the maritime heritage of the Dutch coastline.
Startlocatie wadexcursie Waddenvereniging Terschelling
12.4 km
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Jopie Huisman Museum
12.5 km
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Cruiseport Harlingen
12.6 km
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Alpaca World Friesland
12.8 km
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Workum Lighthouse
13.5 km
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Schaatsmuseum
15.2 km
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Kaatsmuseum
18.3 km
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Museum Martena
18.4 km
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Eise Eisinga Planetarium
18.6 km
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Korendragershuisje (National monument)
18.7 km
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Essential places to dine
Restaurant Skom wadden center
0.0 km
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Strandbar Thuishaven
3.6 km
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Strand Huys Makkum
3.6 km
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Café Restaurant Beaufort
3.6 km
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Pand 1738 FOODBAR
4.6 km
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Restaurant Café De Zwaan
4.6 km
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De Prins
4.7 km
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Restaurant De Zeehoeve
11.2 km
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Restaurant 't Havenmantsje
12.3 km
Experience exquisite dining at Restaurant 't Havenmantsje in Harlingen—where high-quality ingredients meet creative culinary artistry.
DOWN & UP
12.5 km
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Restaurant Proeflokaal Sneek
21.9 km
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Grand Café De Walrus - Sneek
21.9 km
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't Vaticaan
22.0 km
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Restaurant Lokaal Op Hatsum
22.8 km
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Omke Jan
24.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
PS-idee cadeau-artikelen
16.8 km
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HeppieStuff
18.9 km
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Viva a la Liv Sieraden & Workshops
20.7 km
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Buuf Jelly Stavoren - leukste winkel aan het ijsselmeer - website www.buufjelly.nl
21.0 km
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Friesbiertje.nl
21.7 km
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KadoshopHarree
21.9 km
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fashion boutique sneek
22.0 km
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Koopjeshal Friesland
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Lovely Yogi
22.3 km
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Kids Cadeaus
22.4 km
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ByNathy
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Lyts Verlangen
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DE 3de KAMER, brocante & cadeaus
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Hartje Friesland
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à la Mer Vlieland
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Café Dubbel J
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Brasserie Booming
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Grand Café Promenade
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Café De Kleine Beurs
18.2 km
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Irish Pub De Poort Van Cleef
21.9 km
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Café de Pub
21.9 km
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Bar 't Ouwe Vat
22.3 km
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WestCord Hotel de Wadden
30.6 km
Experience the charm of Oost-Vlieland at WestCord Hotel de Wadden, where comfort meets hospitality in a beautiful island setting.
T cafeetje
31.1 km
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Restaurant 't Pakhuus
33.0 km
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Speciaalbier Café De Markies
33.2 km
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Vino & Verder - Wijnbar in Leeuwarden
33.2 km
Experience Leeuwarden's finest wine bar, where every sip tells a story and every visit feels like home.
de Huskeamer
33.2 km
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Muziekcafé Scooter'S
33.3 km
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Mango Lounge Leeuwarden
33.3 km
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