Gap in the Dyke

In 1945, the German occupier blew up the IJsselmeer dike near the Wieringermeer in order to flood the polder behind and hinder the advance of the Allied troops. Directly behind the blown-up dike, the inflowing water created deep gully holes, also known as wheels. After the dike was repaired and the Wieringermeer had dry feet again, two long narrow ponds remained and the De Wielen nature reserve was created, which is heavily populated by water birds, among other things. A vantage point has been set up near the wheels, from where the waterfowl can be observed well. Beautiful walking routes around the water features, including in the Dijkgatbos.