68 - ? - 68 - 33 - 34 - 36 - 39 - ? - 13 - 14 - 56 - 46 - ?

Discover the beauty of Het Bildt on this 12.4 km long walking route. Enjoy expansive views, historical dikes, and the dynamics of sea and land. Start at the Tourist Transfer Point (TOP) Oudebildtzijl and walk via Nieuwe Bildtzijl towards the nature reserve Noard Fryslân Bûtendyks.

Note: Dogs are not allowed on the outer dike section.

Het Bildt; land and water
This route takes you through the unique landscape of Het Bildt, where sea and land have met for centuries. Here, at the border of the Wadden Sea and the green polders, you discover an environment that invites you to slow down and marvel. The rhythm of the dikes, the open horizon, and the interplay of light and air create a picturesque backdrop. Let go of time and be carried away by stories of land reclamation, community spirit, and the power of nature.

The walk begins in Oudebildtzijl, at the historic Julianakerk, a national monument from 1806 that is part of the cultural center de Aerden Plaats. This is not only a starting point but also a place to delve into the history of the region through archaeology and art.

With the church at your back, the route leads past the accommodation De Witte Klok and the café Het Grauwe Paard. The Monnikebildtdijk takes you further through the expansive landscape. The old Bildtdijken tell the story of an impressive struggle against the water. Duke Albrecht of Saxony had these areas diked in the 16th century, creating fertile land where villages like Sint Jacobiparochie and Sint Annaparochie flourished.

The route takes you through Fiifhuzen, a hamlet where time seems to stand still, and further to the Waddendijk. Here, a world of endless expanses reveals itself. From the dike, you look out over the salt marshes, a dynamic area full of life. The song of godwits and lapwings accompanies you as you experience nature in its purest form along winding paths.

A special place along the route is the practice bunker from World War II, now a viewpoint where you can admire the transition from land to sea. The path leads you further to Nieuwe Bildtzijl, a hamlet that despite the challenges of nature and history continues to testify to resilience and community spirit. Here, artists, nature lovers, and free spirits live side by side, inspired by the beauty of the landscape.

Let yourself be carried away by the tranquility and space of this area during your walk. You walk not only through a landscape but also through the stories of the people who live and work here. It is an ode to simplicity, to the power of water and earth, and to enjoying the moment.

Shorten?
Prefer just a shorter loop? Or are you with a dog? Skip the outer dike section by walking from junction 34, over the dike to 35, and then to 13.

Circles around the churches
Circles around the churches includes 26 inspiring and surprising pilgrimage routes in North Friesland. The expansiveness, the fall of light, clouds, and the rustling of the wind seamlessly connect with the sober stillness that the churches offer. Places of refuge and hills in busy times. Escape routes that offer tranquility. Curious about the other routes? You can find them here

More in-depth information about this and the other routes can be found in the route guide; Circles around the churches in North Friesland. Available through the bookstore. The publication was created by writer Fokko Bosker, a walking journalist, in close collaboration with the Tsjerkepaad foundation which advocates for broader opening of the monumental churches in Friesland.