Welcome to the het Afsluitdijk Wadden Center
“Discover, experience, and get inspired”
On the Afsluitdijk near Kornwerderzand lies the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center, a striking and interactive center where you can discover the story of the Netherlands and its battle against water. Here, you can experience the unique Wadden Sea and IJsselmeer region and see how the Afsluitdijk has provided safety and new opportunities since 1932. At the same time, you can look ahead to innovative projects such as the Fish Migration River and sustainable dike reinforcement. A place where nature, history, and technology come together. Complete your visit with a stop at restaurant Skom or enjoy a unique panoramic view of the IJsselmeer and the Wadden Sea from the rooftop terrace. The center also offers plenty of possibilities for business meetings and arrangements with local partners.
Interactive experience center
Every Wednesday till Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, you can visit the interactive experience center. Travel through the past, present, and future of this unique region. Discover how the Afsluitdijk transformed the Zuiderzee into the freshwater IJsselmeer in 1932, and how this massive waterworks brought safety, farmland, and new developments to the Netherlands. At the same time, see how the landscape and nature had to adapt – from the currents of the Wadden Sea to the open waters of the IJsselmeer, where wind, waves, and birds always shape the horizon. In addition to history, the center shows how we are building for the future: with innovative dike reinforcement, sustainable energy, and the Fish Migration River, where fish can freely travel between salt and freshwater. It is a place where science and technology meet nature and experience.
Restaurant Skom
Just want to enjoy a delicious cup of coffee with cake or a lunch overlooking the IJsselmeer? At the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center, you’ll find the free-flow restaurant Skom, where we are happy to welcome you even without a visit to the experience center. Be surprised by our rotating menu, made with local ingredients, while enjoying the peace and calm of the water from our covered terrace. Restaurant Skom also provides the perfect setting for your business event, family gathering, or (networking) drinks.
Restaurant Skom is open every Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
For the whole family
A day out with the whole family? The Afsluitdijk Wadden Center is suitable for young and old! While older children can enjoy interactive games, the youngest visitors can explore during the Bobby Fish scavenger hunt or at the large drawing table. Besides all the educational activities, there is plenty of space to relax and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Coming soon at the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center
Exhibition by Antje van der Werf at restaurant Skom
Business opportunities
For your business meeting, the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center is the perfect choice. Plan an inspiring presentation, lecture, or meeting in one of our meeting rooms overlooking the IJsselmeer, and afterwards, visit the experience center or our group restaurant. Our sales team is happy to help design the perfect program for your day.
“What an experience!”
The unique location of the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center makes it ideal for a day out with friends, family, or colleagues. Choose one of our packages and enjoy an active adventure on the water, or dive deeper into the rich Frisian history by combining your day with a visit to the famous Kazemattenmuseum, the UNESCO World Heritage Ir. D.F. Woudagemaal in Lemmer, the Fries Scheepvaart Museum in Sneek, or Het Brouwdok in Harlingen.
Road trip along the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center
Not only on the Afsluitdijk, but throughout Friesland, you are surrounded by water. As a result, the province is bursting with beautiful spots by the water that are more than worth discovering. Are you planning to visit the Afsluitdijk Wadden Center soon? Then why not make it a water-rich road trip through Friesland!
