Holwert | |
---|---|
Village | |
Coordinates: 53°22′N 5°54′E / 53.367°N 5.900°E | |
Country | Netherlands |
Province | Friesland |
Municipality | Noardeast-Fryslân |
Area | |
• Total | 18.42 km2 (7.11 sq mi) |
Elevation | 0.7 m (2.3 ft) |
Population (2021)
[1] | |
• Total | 1,595 |
• Density | 87/km2 (220/sq mi) |
Postal code | 9151
[1] |
Dialing code | 0519 |
Holwert is a village in Noardeast-Fryslân municipality in the northern Netherlands, in the province of Friesland. It had a population of around 1,607 in January 2017. [3] Before 2019, the village was part of the Dongeradeel municipality. [4]
The ferry to the island of Ameland departs from Holwert. Wadloopcentrum Fryslân in Holwert is a centre for the training of wadlopen guides and the preservation of the sport. There are two windmills in Holwert, De Hoop and Miedenmolen.
The village was first mentioned in early-11th century as Holeuurt, and means "hollow terp". [5] Holwert developed as a terp (artificial living mound) village several centuries before Christ in a radial shape. The original terp was designated for the church, and in the 8th or 9th century, a long stretched out terp was created for trade and residential houses. In the 11th or 12th century, a dike was built along the Wadden Sea coast, however Holwert remained outside the dike until 1580. [6]
The tower of the Dutch Reformed church dates from the 13th century. The spire has probably been added in 1661. In 1776, the old church was demolished, and an L-shaped church was built in its place. [6] In 1840, Holwert was home to 1,741 people. [4]
In 1872, a dam was privately constructed from Holwert to the island of Ameland across the Wadden Sea, and on 9 June, it was possible to walk to Ameland. The dam required a lot of maintenance. In October 1881, a storm created a hole in the dike, and two more holes were created in April 1882. In 1888, an investment of ƒ 1.2 million was needed to strengthen and repair the dam, and a loan was asked from the government, however the Dutch parliament voted against the proposal. [7] A part of the dam still exists. The ferry to Ameland leaves on the end of the remaining dam. [8]
Holwert is one of the starting points for wadlopen ( mudflat hiking). At low tide, it is possible to walk to the island of Ameland. [9] Mudflat hiking is potentially dangerous, and is only allowed under the supervision of a licensed guide. [10]
The village's official name was changed from Holwerd to Holwert in 2023. [11] [12]
Holwert had a station on the North Friesland Railway, which opened in 1901 and closed to passengers in 1940. [13] The ferry to Ameland departs from Holwert on the end of the dam. [8]
two entries
Media related to Holwert at Wikimedia Commons