Holwerd is called Holwert in Frisian (with a “-t” at the end). The village lies northwest of Dokkum, close to the Wadden Sea.
It’s a small village in the municipality of Noardeast-Fryslân, best known as the departure point for the ferry to Ameland. Many mudflat hikes to the island also start from Holwerd.
The village is currently working on a new project to benefit more from its location by the Wadden Sea: Holwerd aan Zee. The aim is to extend the Holwerter Feart towards the saltwater sea. Where the Wadden Sea was reclaimed about fifty years ago, local residents now want to move back towards the sea again, giving more space to the natural dynamics between people and nature, water and land, old and new. Technically and financially, it’s still a challenge, so to be continued.
Holwerd offers a long pier and ferry harbour, a church with a remarkable story, several cosy places to stay and holiday cottages, a huge sculpture on the dike of two ladies waiting for high tide, and a beautiful salt-marsh landscape.
The Holwerterpolder is part of Europe’s largest remaining salt-marsh area: Noard-Fryslân Bûtendyks, where many birds forage. From the bird hide Kees Weverswadpost, you can observe them without disturbance.
