how to visit delta works

What to know for a visit to the Delta Works

The Delta works (Deltawerken) is what has made The Netherlands world famous in the water management world. They’re one of the landmarks of The Netherlands. It’s possible to visit the Delta works in The Netherlands. Below I will share some history, a few facts and how to visit the Delta works Netherlands. The Deltawerken are in the Southwest of The Netherlands.

A short history of the Delta Works

Watersnoodramp.

In 1953 the Watersnoodramp (North Sea flood of 1953) happened, which was a combination of high spring tide and a storm tide. This caused extensive flooding in The Netherlands, UK and Belgium. There were 1836 deaths in The Netherlands and lots of property damage. The Watersnoodramp had  a large impact on the Dutch people and is still part of the educational program in schools.

Never again

The Deltawerken Nederland were the Dutch answer to make sure such a disaster would never happen again. The Delta works in Holland is an extensive defense system against high water from the sea, consisting of 6 dams, 3 locks and 5 storm surge barriers. They protect the province of Zeeland, the south of Zuid-Holland and Noord-Brabant. So basically the southwest part of The Netherlands.

The building of the first part started in 1954 with the storm surge barrier Hollandse Ijssel and was done in 1997 with the completement of the Maeslantkering. It took decades to build the Delta works Zeeland and the other provinces, since it had to be done well and it would have an effect of lots of parties. The fishing industry, the population on the islands, the shipping industry and the environmental and nature movements. Since water would change from salt to sweet, going from having tides to being stagnant and ships being able to come further inland.

Delta works facts

The American  Society of Civil Engineers have called the Deltawerken one of the 7 modern world wonders. The coastline was brought down from 700 kilometers to 80 kilometers because of the dams.

The different parts of the Delta works

There are 14 parts compromising the whole Delta Works The Netherlands:

• Hollandse Ijsselkering;
• Bathse Spuisluis;
• Grevelingendam;
• Zandkreekdam;
• Veerse Gatdam;
• Oosterscheldekering;
• Brouwersdam;
• Haringvlietsluizen;
• Maeslantkering;
• Hartelkering;
• Volkeraksluizen;
• Philipsdam;
• Krammersluizen.

The Oosterscheldekering and Maeslantkering are internationally the most famous. In The Netherlands most people think firstly of the Oosterscheldekering, when thinking about the Deltawerken Zeeland.

Maeslantkering

The last large project of the Delta works. It consists of 2 large  moveable arms of each 237 meters in length. Both arms together can close off the Nieuwe waterweg (New waterway). This way the area around Rotterdam is protected against high water from the North Sea, but the shipping industry doesn’t suffer from a complete closure.

Deltawerken Oosterschelde

The Oosterscheldekering is the largest storm flood barrier in the world. Before the storm surge barrier was built the chance of a flood was once in 80 years, now it’s less then once in 4000 years.

The building of the stormvloedkering (storm flood barrier) started in 1979. Originally the whole of the Oosterschelde would be closed off from the sea, but after protests they changed it to a half open stormvloedkering with sliding doors. The Oosterscheldekering was the most comprehensive of all the barriers of the Deltaplan, completed in 1986.

Before 1979 the shallow parts in the Oosterschelde were already turned into island: Neeltje Jans, Roggenplaat and Noordland. Neeltje Jans became the working island from which and on which all the work was carried out. In between the island 3 streaming channels came to be, these were called de Hammen, Schaar van Roggenplaat and Roompot. The barrier exists out of 65 pillars and 62 slides in between them.

The barrier is closed with a hydraulic system and can be closed in 75 minutes. It’s 8 kilometers in length and closes of the whole of the Oosterschelde. The Oosterscheldekering will be closed when the water is on or above 3 meters N.A.P. It stands for Normaal Amsterdams Peil, which is the same as the average sea level.

The storm flood barrier has been closed 27 times since 1986.

How to experience the Delta works Holland

Experience the Delta works while driving by car, on bike or walking. There was an official Delta works route, but it isn’t offered anymore. But you can still make the route yourself, because it’s perfect for road trips . Or you can make road trips on which you can see some of the Delta works, such as the tulip route Goeree-Overflakkee . Most dams and barriers have roads over/on them.

You can also experience the Delta works from the water with a boat tour. Frisia rondvaarten and others offer one on the Oosterschelde, from which you can see the Oosterscheldekering and more. The Oosterschelde is a national park. We have done a tour with Frisia, which is fun, but we would have loved to come even closer to the Delta works.

Deltapark Neeltje Jans is a perfect way to visit the Oosterscheldekering with kids. The former work island is now a theme park, with lots to learn about the Watersnoodramp, the Deltawerken and the animals from the North Sea and Oosterschelde. Next to that they have things like a waterslide and shows.

There’s a movie being played about the building of the stormvloedkering, a Watersnoodramp experience and you can visit the storm surge barrier from the inside.

Neeltje Jans also has boat tours to see the Oosterscheldekering from the water.

Paul and I have been to the deltapark in 2004, before Yuri was born. We loved the experience of getting up close to the stormvloedkering.

So here’s all you need  to know for a visit to the Deltawerken from one to several days. You can even make a road trip.

When you want to see more of The Netherlands look at a visit to the Hertog Jan Brewery or drive the flower route . When in search of a campsite check out these campsites in The Netherlands .

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12 comments.

This is pretty amazing. I heard about the flood project being worked on years ago but never knew much about it. Quite an impressive engineering feat.

Yes, it’s really impressive. I love going to the Oosterscheldekering when we’re around that area and just drive over it.

Cindy Ladage

This is so fascinating we saw some of this on a visit years ago and were so impressed by this ingenuity!

Love that you visited part of it. It’s one of the landmarks of The Netherlands.

Rob + Ann @TravelLatte

That is very impressive engineering! It’s always amazing to see the history, and the work that goes into massive projects like that. Thanks for sharing!

Yes, love finding out about all the history about a place.

Lisa | Handmade in Israel

Not on the normal list of places to visit, but how interesting! I grew up in Hull, UK where we also have a tidal barrier to stop the city flooding, but nothing like the size of these.

The tidal barrier in Hull, also looks impressive. Would love to see it.

I had no idea! Such an interesting attraction – I’m pleased you included some history about the flooding as it was all new (but not surprising, given the geography) to me.

Glad I could introduce you to something unique from The Netherlands.

This sounds like it’s a very interesting historical site to visit for a day or two. I would enjoy going on a road trip around the area!

I learned about the Delta Works at college in 1982-3, and visited the area in November 1988. It seems that there is more information, and more tourist facilities. available now. Or perhaps I was just concentrating more on keeping warm and dry while watching birds back then!

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• Travel Destinations
• Netherlands

Netherlands Delta Works: Wonder Of The Modern World (Guide)

Published: September 10, 2023

Modified: December 27, 2023

by Poppy Matta

• Plan Your Trip
• Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Introduction

The Netherlands Delta Works is often referred to as a wonder of the modern world. This massive infrastructure project, located in the southwestern part of the Netherlands, is a testament to the country’s engineering ingenuity and determination to protect its land from the constant threats of flooding and erosion. The Delta Works is a comprehensive system of dams, barriers, and storm surge barriers that has effectively shielded the country from the devastating effects of the North Sea and major rivers.

The need for such a massive undertaking stems from the unique geographical challenges that the Netherlands faces. With about a quarter of its landmass situated below sea level, the country is vulnerable to flooding and erosion caused by rising sea levels and powerful storms. These threats were magnified by the catastrophic North Sea flood of 1953, which claimed the lives of over 1,800 people.

In response to this tragedy, the Dutch government launched an ambitious plan to protect the country against future floods. The construction of the Delta Works began in 1958 and continued for several decades, resulting in an extensive system that spans over 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) and includes both sea defenses and river defenses.

Today, the Netherlands Delta Works not only protect the country from the constant threat of flooding, but they also serve as a symbol of resilience and innovation. Visitors from around the world come to marvel at the impressive engineering feats and learn about the rich history behind these remarkable structures.

In this guide, we will delve into the fascinating history, design, and construction of the Delta Works. We will explore the various components of the system and understand their crucial functions in safeguarding the Netherlands against the forces of nature. We will also discuss the environmental impact of the Delta Works and provide practical information for those wishing to visit this architectural marvel.

History of the Netherlands Delta Works

The history of the Netherlands Delta Works can be traced back to the devastating North Sea flood of 1953. This natural disaster, also known as the Watersnoodramp, caused immense destruction and loss of life across the country. In response to the tragedy, the Dutch government resolved to take significant measures to protect the low-lying regions from future flooding.

In 1954, the Delta Commission was formed and tasked with developing a comprehensive plan to fortify the country’s coastal areas. The commission conducted extensive research and proposed an ambitious project that would effectively control the tides and prevent flooding. This marked the birth of the Netherlands Delta Works.

The construction of the Delta Works began in 1958 and continued for decades. The project involved collaboration between engineers, hydrologists, architects, and construction workers. It was a monumental undertaking that required innovative thinking, advanced technology, and an unwavering dedication to safeguarding the Netherlands against the forces of nature.

Throughout the years, various components were added to the Delta Works system, each serving a unique purpose. The initial focus was on strengthening the coastal defenses, with the construction of dams and barriers to block the entry of seawater. Later, the project expanded to include river defenses, with the aim of regulating water flow and preventing inland flooding.

One of the most iconic structures of the Delta Works is the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier. This imposing barrier, completed in 1986, consists of movable gates that can be closed during storms to protect the vulnerable estuary. The decision to install movable gates instead of a fixed barrier was made to preserve the delicate ecological balance of the area.

Over the years, the Delta Works has proven its effectiveness in preventing flooding and protecting the land. The construction of this monumental system has not only saved countless lives but has also bolstered the economy and allowed for further urban development in low-lying areas across the Netherlands.

The Netherlands Delta Works stands as a remarkable testament to the ingenuity, resilience, and determination of the Dutch people. It showcases their ability to harness engineering prowess and adapt to the challenges posed by a changing climate. The Delta Works is not only a physical infrastructure project but also a symbol of the Dutch spirit and their commitment to maintaining a safe and prosperous homeland.

Design and Construction of the Delta Works

The design and construction of the Netherlands Delta Works required innovative engineering solutions and meticulous planning. The project involved a combination of traditional construction techniques and cutting-edge technologies to create a comprehensive system that could withstand the powerful forces of nature.

One of the key design principles behind the Delta Works was the concept of “closing-off” vulnerable areas during storms and high tides. This involved the construction of dams and barriers to block the entry of seawater and prevent flooding. These barriers were strategically placed at strategic locations along the coast, such as the Eastern Scheldt, Grevelingen, and Haringvliet estuaries.

The construction of these barriers required careful consideration of various factors, including tidal forces, wave height, sedimentation, and ecological impact. Extensive studies and simulations were conducted to determine the optimal design and placement of the barriers to achieve maximum effectiveness.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Delta Works is the use of movable barriers. Instead of constructing fixed barriers, which would obstruct water flow and disrupt the delicate balance of the ecosystem, the Delta Works incorporated innovative solutions, such as storm surge barriers with movable gates.

These movable barriers operate on a principle similar to that of a drawbridge. During normal tides and calm weather, the gates remain open, allowing water to flow freely. However, when storms or high tides are anticipated, the gates can be closed to create a solid barrier, effectively preventing the entry of seawater and protecting the vulnerable areas.

Construction of the Delta Works involved the use of various materials, including reinforced concrete, steel, and rock. Each component of the system was meticulously designed and built to withstand the immense pressures and forces exerted by the North Sea and major rivers.

The construction process was a collaborative effort involving engineers, architects, hydrologists, construction workers, and other specialists. Advanced techniques and machinery were used to carry out offshore and onshore construction, including the creation of artificial islands, excavation of waterways, and installation of barriers and gates.

The complexity and scale of the Delta Works required a significant investment of both time and resources. The project spanned several decades, with new components being added over time to enhance the system’s effectiveness. Despite the challenges and obstacles faced during construction, the Dutch displayed remarkable perseverance and determination to see the project through.

The completion of the Netherlands Delta Works marked a significant milestone in the country’s history. It not only provided protection against flooding but also showcased the Dutch expertise in water management and engineering.

Components of the Delta Works

The Netherlands Delta Works comprises a series of interconnected components designed to protect the low-lying regions of the country from flooding and erosion. These components work in tandem to regulate water flow, control tides, and prevent the entry of seawater into vulnerable areas. The key components of the Delta Works include:

• Storm Surge Barriers: These are massive barriers designed to block storm surges and prevent flooding during extreme weather events. The most iconic storm surge barrier is the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, which consists of movable gates. When closed, these gates create a solid barrier against storm surges, but they can be opened during normal conditions to allow for tidal flow and preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
• Dams and Floodgates: These structures are strategically placed to control water levels and protect the inland regions of the Netherlands. The Maeslantkering, for example, is a movable storm surge barrier located in the Nieuwe Waterweg near Rotterdam. It consists of two arms that can be closed during storm events to prevent the entry of seawater into the city.
• Sea Dikes: These are long embankments constructed along the coast to act as barriers against high tides and storm surges. They provide the first line of defense against flooding from the sea. The Delta Works system includes several sea dikes, such as the Westkapelle dike, which protects the western part of the Walcheren peninsula.
• Polders: Polders are low-lying tracts of land that have been drained and enclosed by dikes. These areas are protected from flooding by a network of canals, pumps, and water control gates. The Delta Works include numerous polders, such as the Beemster Polder and the Zuidplaspolder, which rely on an intricate system of water management to maintain optimal water levels.
• Spillways and Bypasses: In addition to coastal defenses, the Delta Works also incorporate measures to regulate water flow in major rivers. Spillways and bypasses are constructed to divert excess water during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. These structures ensure that the river levels do not rise to dangerous levels and prevent inland flooding.

Each component of the Delta Works plays a vital role in maintaining the safety and integrity of the low-lying regions of the Netherlands. They work together to create a comprehensive system that has successfully protected the country from flooding and erosion for decades.

Function and Importance of the Delta Works

The Netherlands Delta Works serves a critical function in safeguarding the low-lying regions of the country from the constant threats of flooding and erosion. The system’s primary purpose is to control water levels, regulate tidal flow, and prevent the entry of seawater into vulnerable areas. The function and importance of the Delta Works can be summarized as follows:

• Flood Protection: The Delta Works provide unparalleled protection against flooding, a constant threat faced by the Netherlands due to its low-lying geography. By strategically placing barriers, dams, floodgates, and dikes, the system is capable of withstanding high tides and storm surges, preventing catastrophic flooding and the loss of lives and property.
• Erosion Control: The Delta Works also play a vital role in combating erosion along the coast and major river systems. Coastal dunes, dikes, and sea barriers act as protective barriers against erosion caused by waves and currents, preserving the integrity of the land and preventing valuable soil from being washed away.
• Water Management: The Delta Works system helps manage the complex water dynamics in the Netherlands. It regulates water levels, controls tides, and diverts excess water during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. This ensures that the land remains at an optimal water level, which is crucial for agriculture, urban development, and maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
• Economic Stability: The Delta Works have played a significant role in bolstering the economic stability of the Netherlands. By protecting valuable agricultural land, urban areas, and critical infrastructure, the system allows for sustained economic activities and urban development in low-lying regions. It has also contributed to the growth of industries such as tourism, as visitors come from all over the world to witness and learn about this remarkable engineering achievement.
• National Pride and Identity: The Delta Works stand as a symbol of Dutch resilience, innovation, and expertise in water management. This architectural marvel showcases the country’s commitment to confronting the challenges posed by a changing climate. The Delta Works have become an integral part of the national identity and a source of pride for the Dutch people, who have turned adversity into an opportunity for growth and progress.

The function and importance of the Netherlands Delta Works cannot be overstated. This remarkable system has not only protected the country from the devastating impacts of flooding and erosion but also ensured the sustainable development and prosperity of the low-lying regions. It serves as a testament to human ingenuity, engineering excellence, and the unwavering spirit of the Dutch people.

Impact on the Environment

The construction and operation of the Netherlands Delta Works have had both positive and negative impacts on the environment. While the primary goal of the Delta Works is to protect the land and its inhabitants, it is important to consider the ecological consequences of such a massive infrastructure project. The impact on the environment can be summarized as follows:

• Ecological Disruption: The installation of barriers and flood control measures has resulted in the alteration of natural water flow patterns. These changes can disrupt the habitats and migration patterns of various species, especially in estuaries and river systems.
• Marine Life: The construction of storm surge barriers and the restriction of tidal flow can affect the biodiversity and dynamics of marine ecosystems. The Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, for example, impacts the distribution of saltwater and the movement of fish and other marine organisms.
• Sedimentation: The Delta Works can interrupt the natural process of sedimentation, where sand and sediment are transported and deposited along the coast. This may result in erosion in certain areas and potentially affect the stability of the coastline.
• Water Quality: The regulation of water flow and the restriction of tidal exchange can influence the water quality in certain areas. Changes in water circulation patterns can impact the distribution of nutrients and the overall ecological balance.
• Adaptive Measures: The Dutch government has implemented various adaptive measures to mitigate the environmental impact of the Delta Works. These include the creation of compensatory nature reserves, the establishment of fish migration channels, and the use of environmentally friendly construction techniques.

It is important to note that the environmental impact of the Delta Works has been extensively studied, and efforts are continually made to find a balance between flood protection and ecological preservation. The Dutch government actively monitors and manages the ecological effects to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Delta Works and the surrounding ecosystems.

The Delta Works is a prime example of the complex relationship between human development and environmental conservation. It demonstrates the ongoing challenge of reconciling the need for infrastructure and protection with the preservation of natural ecosystems. The careful management and adaptation of the Delta Works are essential in minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.

Visiting the Delta Works

Visiting the Netherlands Delta Works is a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the engineering marvels that have protected the country from flooding and erosion. The Delta Works offer a range of educational and recreational activities for visitors, allowing them to learn about the system’s history, design, and environmental significance. Here’s what you need to know to plan your visit:

1. Information Centers: Start your visit by exploring the various information centers located near the Delta Works. These centers provide interactive exhibits, educational displays, and informative presentations that explain the complexities and importance of the system. They offer valuable insights into the engineering techniques used and the ecological considerations involved in the project.

2. Guided Tours: Joining a guided tour is highly recommended to fully appreciate the Delta Works. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the different components of the system, explaining their functions and answering any questions you may have. These tours often include visits to the various barriers, dams, and floodgates, providing a unique opportunity to witness their impressive scale and operation.

3. Breathtaking Views: Take a moment to soak in the breathtaking views from designated observation points. From these vantage points, you can witness the vastness of the structures and the immense power of the surrounding water. It is a truly awe-inspiring experience that allows you to appreciate both the engineering prowess and the natural beauty of the Delta Works.

4. Cycling and Walking Routes: The Delta Works region offers a network of cycling and walking routes that allow visitors to explore the area at their own pace. The well-maintained paths take you along the water’s edge, past dikes, and through scenic landscapes. Along the way, you can stop at designated viewpoints and learn about the local flora, fauna, and historical landmarks.

5. Environmental Learning: The Delta Works also offer educational programs and workshops aimed at raising awareness about the importance of water management and environmental preservation. These programs are designed for both children and adults, and they provide hands-on activities and engaging presentations to deepen your understanding of the Delta Works and its impact on the environment.

6. Nearby Attractions: While visiting the Delta Works, you can also take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area. The region is dotted with charming coastal towns, picturesque beaches, and nature reserves. Don’t miss the chance to sample delicious local seafood, visit historical landmarks, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the coast.

Remember to check the official Delta Works website for updated visitor information, tour schedules, and any special events or exhibitions happening during your visit. Admiring the Delta Works up close is an experience that will leave you with a profound appreciation for human ingenuity, the power of nature, and the delicate balance between the two.

The Netherlands Delta Works stands as a testament to the resilience, ingenuity, and determination of the Dutch people. This remarkable system of dams, barriers, and storm surge barriers has successfully protected the low-lying regions of the country from the constant threats of flooding and erosion. It is a marvel of engineering and a symbol of the Dutch commitment to water management.

The history, design, and construction of the Delta Works showcase the Dutch expertise in harnessing the power of technology to confront the challenges posed by a changing climate. The system’s components, such as storm surge barriers, dams, sea dikes, and polders, work in harmony to regulate water flow, control tides, and protect the land from inundation.

The Delta Works not only provide flood protection but also play a vital role in maintaining the economic stability and prosperity of the Netherlands. They ensure the safety of valuable agricultural land, urban areas, critical infrastructure, and valuable ecosystems. The system is a testament to the intrinsic connection between water management and sustainable development.

Visiting the Delta Works offers a unique opportunity to witness the impressive scale and complexity of the system. Through interactive exhibits, guided tours, and breathtaking views, visitors can learn about the history, environmental impact, and engineering marvels of the Delta Works.

While the Delta Works have had some environmental effects, measures are continuously taken to minimize the impact and ensure the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem. The Dutch government’s commitment to adaptive management and ecological preservation demonstrates the country’s dedication to finding a balance between infrastructure and environmental conservation.

In conclusion, the Netherlands Delta Works stands as a testament to human innovation and adaptability in the face of adversity. It is not only a remarkable engineering achievement but also a symbol of the Dutch resilience and their ability to thrive in a challenging environment. The Delta Works will continue to serve as a source of inspiration and pride for generations to come.

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Delta Works

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 Public transit
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Visitor centres and viewing points
• 6 Eat, drink, and sleep
• 7.1 Zuid-Holland
• 7.2 Zeeland
• 7.3 Noord-Brabant

The Delta Works (Dutch: Deltawerken ) are a series of flood protection structures built between 1950 and 1997 in the southwest of the Netherlands , to protect a large area of land around the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta from the sea. The works consist of dams, sluices, locks, dikes, and storm surge barriers. Along with the Zuiderzee Works , they have been declared one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

The estuaries of the Rhine, Meuse and Scheldt have been subject to flooding for centuries. After construction of the Afsluitdijk in the north of the country completed in 1933, the Netherlands started studying the damming of the Rhine-Meuse Delta. Plans were developed to turn the delta into a group of freshwater lakes. New dams, sluices, and storm surge barriers would be built to shorten the coastline, thus reducing the number of dikes that had to be raised. Due to indecision and World War II, little progress was made. In 1950 two small estuary mouths, the Brielse Gat near Brielle and the Botlek near Vlaardingen were dammed. Then the flood of 1953 ( Watersnoodramp ) took place. In the night of Saturday 31 January 1953 and the morning of 1 February 1953, a heavy storm caused a storm tide. Nearly 2,000 people died in the flood and there was widespread property damage, mostly in the province of Zeeland.

As a result, the Delta Works Commission was installed to research the causes and develop measures to prevent such disasters in future. They revised some of the old plans and came up with the Deltaplan . The plan consisted of blocking the estuary mouths of the Oosterschelde, the Haringvliet and the Grevelingen. This reduced the length of the dikes exposed to the sea by 700 km (430 mi). The mouths of the Nieuwe Waterweg and the Westerschelde were to remain open because these were used as important shipping routes to the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp . The dikes along these waterways were to be heightened and strengthened. New road and waterway instructure would be built alongside the Deltaworks to stimulate the economy of Zeeland and improve the connection between the ports of Rotterdam and Antwerp.

Plans for a coastline construction had been suggested long before, and small steps had been taken, but it was the 1953 flood that led to the rapid development of the Delta Works. With the Delta Works in place, disastrous floods like the one in 1953 should occur no more than once every 4,000 years. In total, the Delta Works are the largest storm barrier in the world and have served as an example to many similar projects all over the world.

The Delta Works consists of structures that are scattered over Zeeland and South Holland . To explore them, you can stay the night in Rotterdam or one of the other larger destinations in area, hire a car there and then drive out to some of these structures, while also taking in some of Zeeland's endless flat vistas. The Oosterscheldekering and the Maeslantkering are the most interesting attractions to visit, and while driving, you can lay out a route over some of the other dams and dykes.

To go directly to the Deltapark Neeltje Jans, coming from the Randstad , take either the Rotterdam-Beneluxtunnel or the Brienenoordbridge. Then, take direction Zierikzee over the A15-A29-N59. After Zierikzee follow direction Burgh-Haamstede and take exit Westenschouwen/Middelburg (N57). You should follow the signs towards Neeltje Jans and then the signs to Deltapark. The N57 is one of the main roads, connecting several of the dams and leading along the Deltapark Neeltje Jans. If you're using a navigation system to get to the Deltapark, set it on "Faelweg, in Vrouwenpolder".

Public transit

The Deltapark is well-reachable by public transport in summer, but there are limited services in winter. Take a train to Middelburg and from there, take bus line 133 . The whole trip should take 2 to 2½ hr one way, from Rotterdam.

It's possible to drive over the Delta Works by car, to get an idea of the massive nature of the structure. At the Haringvliet Expo and Deltapark Neeltje Jans you'll find all kinds of information about the different elements of the construction and it's possible to see part of the dams from the inside.

Visitor centres and viewing points

• 51.82633 4.0442 2 Expo Haringvliet , Haringvlietplein 3, Stellendam , ☏ +31 187 499-913 . This is mainly a nice place for having a drink while getting the best view over the Haringvlietdam. You can also see a film and some pictures about the 1953 flood. €5 .  

The fourteen works below are rarely in action, which in itself is a good thing. They are most often only active during storms. The first time the five major works were closed was January 3, 2018. In January 2018, the requirements for closing the weirs and dams were lowered to keep the Delta Works from rusting away and being able to be used when another extreme tide comes along. The listings below are sorted in chronological order of completion.

• Walk or cycle up to the Oosterscheldekering, especially when it's very windy (7 bft or more).
• Spend a day at the Deltapark Neeltje Jans. Especially with kids, there're plenty of fun activities around to fill a day's out. Watch an earless seal show at the park, or even join the animals for a swim. It takes a serious fee or €55, but swimming (under professional guidance) with the seals in the park is a pretty special experience. For an even bigger thrill, opt for a swim session with the sharks.
• At the Deltapark, you can hop on a boat for a seal-spotting trip through the neighbouring Oosterschelde National Park.
• The Oosterschelde National Park has many dive sites [dead link] , amongst which are Gorishoek/De Punt, Wemeldinge, Goese Sas derde breker, Stavenisse Keetenweg and Pijlers van de Zeelandbrug.

Eat, drink, and sleep

The visitor's centres are all meant as day trip destinations and there's no accommodation available in any of them. There's plenty of places to stay in the many towns, though. Renesse , Middelburg , Vlissingen and Hellevoetsluis are just a few of the most popular destinations in the region, and all have plenty of lodging and camping opportunities. Check the destination guides for individual listings.

The same goes for bars and restaurants, and for dinner your best option is to go to one of the towns. At the Haringvlietdam and in Deltapark Neeltje Jans, however, there are restaurants that serve lunch. Plates may include mossels (mussels), which are harvested from the Oosterschelde.

• Zoet of zout , Haringvlietplein 3, Stellendam , ☏ +31 187 499-913 .  
• Restaurant Deltapark Neeltje Jans , Faelweg 5, Vrouwenpolder ( In the Deltapark ). The theme park restaurant has a nice view and serves simple but good lunch dishes. On request, they cater (also dinner) for larger groups of 20 or more people.  

Nearby cities

Zuid-holland.

• Rotterdam — Modern harbour city, being bombed to oblivion in the Second World War, modern architecture and art are blooming in the city of Europort.
• Hook of Holland — The gateway to England, with ferries to Harwich and Kingston upon Hull , as well as a popular beachfront.
• The Hague — Political capital of the Netherlands, with attractions from Madurodam to the Binnenhof and Mauritshuis.
• Dordrecht — Historically one of the six important cities of the County of Holland.
• Zierikzee — Historical centre of Schouwen-Duiveland.
• Tholen — Two joined peninsulas disconnected from the mainland by the Scheldt-Rhine Canal.
• Middelburg — The capital city of Zeeland.
• Westkapelle — Famous seaside town that is a popular summer retreat for many.
• Terneuzen — Mostly industrious city on the exclave of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen.
• Het Verdronken Land van Saeftinghe — A demonstration of how Zeeland might have looked if it hasn't had the Delta Works: Saeftinghe once was a town that was completely washed away during a flood and instead of being reclaimed, it became a nature reserve.

Noord-Brabant

• Bergen op Zoom
• Afsluitdijk — A long dike separating the Wadden Sea from the IJsselmeer, which in itself was formed as a result of the completion of this dike. It connects North Holland to Friesland .
• Noordoostpolder — A gigantic polder reclaimed from the Zuiderzee in the 1930s.
• Flevoland — Noordoostpolder 2.0 with the additions of randmeren (edge-lakes) to not harm the already existing land.

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Netherlands Delta Works: One of the 7 Wonders of the Modern World (Travel Guide)

by Aileen Adalid Netherlands 8 comments

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When we visited Veere, a small city on the Walcheren Island of Zeeland in the Netherlands, we also took the chance to see the  Delta Works —one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World (together with the Zuiderzee Works)!

…So what’s the Delta and Zuiderzee works?

Well, for centuries, the Netherlands has been constantly plagued with the problem of flooding during storms and it’s because of how most of its land  (near the coast) is below sea level and/or less than one meter above sea level. In order to put a stop to this, as well as to reclaim more land, they started two projects…

• Zuiderzee Works – a man-made system of dams, land reclamation, and drainage that turned the dangerous Zuiderzee , a shallow inlet of the North Sea, into the tame IJsselmeer , and created 1650 km² of additional land (that started in the 1920s)
• To shorten the Dutch coastline
• To protect the area around Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt from the North Sea especially after the widespread fatalities and deaths that happened after the ‘North Sea Flood’ of 1953

There are a LOT of technicalities and engineering terms involved here but the bottom line is that these two projects are majestic and grand— there’s a reason why they garnered a spot in the wonders of the world. But I guess, to really give you an idea about how impressive these ‘works’ are, I’ll let the photos below speak for themselves!

The Delta and Zuiderzee Works are located in various parts of the Netherlands; we obviously didn’t have the luxury of time to visit every spot, so we decided to check out one: the 9-km long Oosterscheldekering . Located between the islands Schouwen-Duiveland and Noord-Beveland , it is the largest of the 13 ambitious Delta Works series!

TRIVIA : The Oosterscheldekering is said to be the most difficult to build and the most expensive series of the Delta works. Apparently, they worked on this for more than a decade! (1976 to 1986)

You can choose to stop and park nearby to see more of the Oosterscheldekering up close , but you can also choose to just continue driving through the length of the highway.

But of course, we chose to stop by! My friend’s dad wanted us to see the barriers up close and of course, how could I say no to that?

We parked somewhere near Neeltje-Jans, an artificial island at one end that’s also used as an education center and a base for maintenance works. (This is the section on the bottom-right of the top-most image of this post. It’s totally free to park here and also free to get in on one of the nearby barriers.)

Below is the view from the parking lot:

TRIVIA : The Oosterscheldekering is sometimes referred to by the Dutch people as an eight wonder of the world (apart from how the whole of it, the Delta Works, as one of the seven wonders of the world.

We proceeded to walk up to the highway to get into one of the barriers… as we were walking up the path, I was already in awe. Sure they were old, but they were HUGE! My friend’s dad is an engineer so he launched into a short ‘tour guide’ spree as he gave us more information about these storm surge barriers (the other information I acquired below are from sources online and the education center).

• The dam is designed to last more than 200 years
• The pillars are 35 and 38.75 meters high, weighing around 18,000 tons
• The water levels must be at least 3 meters above regular sea level or else they will close the dam
• The gates/doors/shutters of the barriers take one hour to close
• The dam has been closed 25 times since 1986
• The cost of operation costs $17 million a year!

TRIVIA : The photo above shows a marker or line on a pillar of a barrier, showing how high the sea level was during the North Sea storm/flooding of 1953.

TIP : If you want to see another Delta Work, I suggest going to Maeslantkering .

It’s a beauty! Located at Hoek van Holland and the river Scheur, it is said to be one of the largest moving structures on Earth (rivaling the Green Bank Telescope in the USA and the Bagger 288 excavator in Germany) and the only storm surge barrier in the world that has large movable parts. As you can see below, it’s a set of two swinging ‘doors’ that are almost as long as the Eiffel Tower.

To add more ‘wonder’ into this structure, it functions automatically! A computer is connected to these barriers so whenever a storm surge is expected, the doors would float towards one another in order to close the waterway. They are then ‘flooded’ and this additional weight will make them sink; thereby turning them into a barrier.

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TIP: It’s a good idea to crosscheck the prices with other popular travel insurance providers like World Nomads and HeyMondo (as my reader, you get 5% off)! . However, take note a travel insurance’s affordability typically means lesser coverage; so please always ensure that you read the fine print in order to decipher which travel insurance company is the right fit for you and your trip!

Looking for more travel tips for the Netherlands?

Check out my other detailed Netherlands travel guides !

This was a really GREAT experience! It clearly shows how us, humans, have very astonishing abilities that we could come up with such amazing feats!

After seeing this, you bet that I am now on a mission of seeing the other 6 wonders of the modern world, namely: Channel Tunnel (between UK and France), CN Tower (Ontario – Canada), Empire State Building (New York), Golden Gate Bridge (California), Itaipu Dam (between Brazil and Paraguay), and Panama Canal.

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What a majestic feat of engineering! It’s such a shame the Philippines is too corrupted to ever come up with something like this… we need it!

I agree with you! Though we don’t have problems of flooding from the sea, we have problems of flooding from trash and poor waterway systems.

Wow! They built this for a purpose and now, it’s also a tourist attraction. They really have good urban planning since 1976! How I wish people here in the Philippine government can come up with something like that, and for long term use.

I wish the same too! This is such a majestic feat that helps stop flooding and we both know how Manila needs help from that (though of course our flooding is from trash, not from the sea so yeah; but still! It’s a problem that needs to be addressed)

Wow! This is amazing! If only our government is not so corrupt, we can also afford to build this kind of structure that will help us to stand more stronger to flood problems and other related disaster.

Indeed; but I guess our officials have other priorities which is of course themselves :/

It’s an amazing structure and I didn’t know it was one of the newest 7 wonders!

IT really was amazing! :D

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About this route

The Delta Works are an impressive background for this long-distance cycle as well as a beautiful connection between the isles of the south-western Dutch delta region. You cycle in a beautiful landscape where water and land continuously alternate - you often cycle outside the dykes. Flood After the North Sea flood of 1953, it was decided to construct the Delta Works. Thanks to these impressive constructions, the southwestern part of the Netherlands is much safer. The Delta Works consist of 13 dams and surge barriers. The construction lasted from right after the flood until 1997. During the building process, safety was not the only thing that was of importance. Nature and quality of life were also important factors. The Delta Works ensure in every way that life is good in the southwest of the Netherlands. The route Follow (the nodes of) the route and learn more about the Delta Works and their surroundings. The node numbers are also to be found along the route on cycling network signs. You can start the route anywhere you like and decide for yourself to cycle it clockwise or counterclockwise. The total journey is 214 km. 

How does it work? Download the route. Turn on your phone’s GPS signal so you can see where you are . Then Start biking. Go to the route’s start location. If you want to start at a different point, just check which number you encounter first and start from there. 

Information along the route During your cycling tour you can read, see or hear more information about a point of interest. The information on the Delta Works may come in the form of a text, video or audio fragment.  Tip:  safety first - get off your bike to take in the information, and enjoy your surroundings. 

Description

When starting at Neeltje Jans, follow the node numbers: 70 – 04 – 03 – 30 – 31 – 32 – 36 – 34 – 35 – 48 – 40 – 50 – 25 – 35 – 48 – 51 – 67 – 56 – 55- -57 – 64 – 62 – 63 – 99 – 43 – 42 – 98 – 73 – 94 – 75 – 76 – 78 – 51 – 72 – 77 – 40 – 25 – 20 – 10 – 11 – 84 – 19 – 14 – 15 – 12 – 30 – 31 – 29 – 98 – 99 – 90 – 67 – 66 – 65 – 02 – 09 – 06 – 07 – 08 – 90 – 91 – 88 – 87 – 86 – 85 – 83 – 82 – 80 – 81 – 71 – 70.

Highlights:

Neeltje Jans: Work island Oosterscheldekering

The Oosterscheldekering consists of more than just pillars. In the middle of the Oosterschelde, you find the isle of Neeltje Jans, which also forms a water barrier. Prior to the Delta Works, this was a sand bank. Neeltje Jans was made into an island for the construction of the Oosterscheldekering. Its pillars were built here. Subsequently, they were towed from here to their definitive spot. Neeltje Jans is now a beautiful duneland area. It has been taken over by nature – although you can still spot its old ports. They are now home to mussel farms. Suggestion: this is a fine spot for a dune hike. Along the way, you will see a bird blind and you get to cross a tidal creek.

Click here to watch the video.

The Oosterscheldekering is very unique because it's always open. Listen to the podcast.

Veerse Gatdam

Veerse Gatdam is part of the Delta Works. Click here to watch the video.

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De Schotsman: Beautiful natural area thanks to the Veerse Gatdam

When the Veerse Gat was closed off by the Veerse Gatdam, an area of great natural beauty was created. Zeeland had gained a lake, and many sand banks turned into solid land or islands. One of those is de Schotsman. This new part of Zeeland was turned into a nature reserve and recreational area. Trees were planted and nowadays it is a place where you can find both woodland and meadows. De Schotsman boasts all kinds of extraordinary animals and plants. You can spot impressive Highland cattle here. These bovines keep the grass short, allowing unique meadow plants like wild orchids to grow here.

Veere:  Historic town by the lake

Veere is one of Zeeland’s most beautiful towns. Everywhere you look, you can see imposing buildings, ancient alleyways and monumental townhouses and warehouses. They form a living memory of the wealth Veere enjoyed for centuries thanks to their direct access to the sea. They traded a lot with Scotland (be sure to take a look at the Schotse Huizen on the Kaai that are reminiscent of these times). Fishing was an important source of income as well. Fishermen from Arnemuiden used Veere as their port, when they lost access to the sea themselves. After the Veerse Gatdam was built, they moved to Vlissingen. People still sail from Veere, but nowadays that is mostly done just to enjoy the Veerse Meer .

Veerse Meer

Veerse meer is a very popular spot for practising watersports. In particular windsurfing. Click here to watch the video

De Piet: Nice spot to explore the Veerse Meer

De Piet is a branch of the Veerse Meer. It is surrounded by a small scenic area where you can go for a stroll. You also find meadows here where you can sit and enjoy the sun and/or a picknick. What makes De Piet really good fun, is that it is a great place to enjoy water sports. The Veerse Meer is dotted with islands. Before the lake was closed off from the sea, these were sand banks. Now most of them are open for recreational use. You can paddle there in a (rental) canoe. And if you think this may be a bit too far for you, you could also just paddle along De Piet. That is a beautiful spot too!

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Zandkreekdam

The Zandkreekdam is the first of the Delta Works in Zeeland. Click here to watch the video.

Do you know that Wemeldinge is very famous for its diving locations. Discover what the under water world looks like. 

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Yerseke:  Mussel and oyster hotspot

Everywhere you look around you in Yerseke, you will find a mussel restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious dinner. And the port boasts a huge fleet of mussel cutters. But Yerseke is home to more than just a mussel industry; they trade in all kinds of shellfish here, such as cockles and oysters. The oyster pits take a central place in the village. Here, shellfish are rinsed and stored – the pits are a kind of wet storage. If you would like to know more about the mussel and oyster industry, a visit to the Oosterscheldemuseum is highly recommended. The fact that the Oosterschelde is still home to many shellfish is thanks to the Oosterscheldekering, which lets saltwater flow freely into the estuary. 

Do you know how to open oysters? Watch here .

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Roelshoek:  Drowned villages

You can find drowned villages all over Zeeland. There are about 120 of them. From the north shore of Zuid-Beveland you can see an entire drowned area: the Verdronken Land van Zuid-Beveland. Nowadays, this is a beautiful nature reserve with salt marshes and mud flats, but once you could find the villages of Schoudee, Nieuwlande and Tolsende here. There even was a town: Reimerswaal. The remains of these settlements are now covered in mud and they are of a high architectural value. The Delta Works were constructed to prevent more of Zeeland’s villages from drowning.

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Bathse Spuisluis

The 'Bathse Spuisluis' is one of the less famous of the Delta Works. Click here to watch the video.

At the Oesterdam, it's allowed to take 10 kg a day. Do you know what to look for? Click here to watch the video with some tips.

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De Kop van Tholen

Click here for more information about 'De Kop van Tholen'.

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Rammegors:  Nature reserve becoming silty

The Delta Works have a great influence on nature. Sometimes these changes can be undone. When the Krabbenkreekdam and the Oostdam were built, the Rammegors got closed off from its saltwater supply. Over the years, it turned into a freshwater zone. At the same time, many of the Oosterschelde’s salt marshes and mudflats disappeared due to the construction of the Oosterscheldekering. That is why it was decided in 2010 to turn the Rammegors into a tidal area once again. It will take years and years, but slowly and steadily, the Rammegors is becoming silty again. This ensures that there is still room for the unique flora and fauna that flourishes in an area like that.

Zuid-Holland’s Masterpieces: The Delta Works protect so much more than just Zeeland

Just about everyone knows that the Delta Works serve to protect Zeeland. But the North Sea flood of 1953 also struck in the provinces of Noord-Brabant and Zuid-Holland. Zuid-Holland boasts four formidable Delta Works. They ensure that you are safe from water up to the province of Utrecht. The Haringvlietsluizen offer protection against the sea and regulate the water level. The Hollandsche IJsselkering was the first Delta Work ever built. The Hartelkering has the largest lifting cylinders in Europe. The Maeslantkering is extremely impressive. Its gigantic emergency sluice door at the Nieuwe Waterweg is the waterwork with the largest moveable parts in the world. Watch the video  and listen to the podcast to get to know more about Zuid-Holland's masterpieces.

Philipsdam en Volkeraksluizen

Click here  for more information about the Philipsdam and Volkeraksluizen.

Grevelingendam

Click here  to watch the video and receive for more information about the Grevelinendam.

Bruinisse: Mussel hotspot thanks to the Oosterscheldekering

Bruinisse is a true mussel hotspot. In its port you can find many big mussel cutters and by the shore there are all kinds of companies that work directly or indirectly for the mussel industry, such as wharfs. In the water, you can spot many blue barrels which belong to mussel spawn collection systems. The fact that Bruinisse is still a mussel hotspot nowadays is, just like in Yerseke, thanks to the Oosterscheldekering. But for its sluice doors, the Oosterschelde would have turned into a freshwater area where mussels cannot survive. Tip: if you want to know all about the mussel and fishing industry, visit Brusea where you can see, among others, an authentic fisherman’s house.

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Watersnoodmuseum

Click here to watch stories about the rich water history of the Netherlands. Visit the museum for more interactive stories and impressive movies.

Zeelandbrug

You have probably already seen the 'Zeelandbrug'. It connects Schouwen-Duiveland with Noord- Beveland. Click here to watch the movie. 

Zierikzee: Visit the historic port

Zierikzee is brimful of monuments. A grandiose city gate here, an entire row of imposing mansions there… And let’s not forget the gigantic Sint-Lievens Monstertoren. It is a feast for the eyes! Aside from the beautiful monumental history, you can also enjoy maritime heritage in Zierikzee. Historical vessels, owned by Museumhaven Zeeland, are moored in the Oude Haven. The museum boasts authentic hoogaars (flat-bottom) ships such as Vrouwe Adriana from 1878, but also the Vabel, a flat-bottom ship from 1890. When you visit the museum, you may come aboard these vessels.

Listening underwater with dry ears

At the end of the breakwater of Zierikzee’s port porpoises can be spotted on a regular basis. They swim freely here and have entered the Oosterschelde via the direct connection with the North Sea that is still open thanks to the Oosterscheldekering. If you would like to get better acquainted with these dolphin-like creatures, you can listen to them. There is an audio station on the breakwater. If they are nearby, you can listen live to their clicks, buzzes, beeps and groans. Hunting porpoises make a lot of sound, because they use their ‘sonar’ to find their prey. The porpoises are not here all day. When they are gone, you can listen to recordings.

Observation Tower Prunje:  Beautiful view of a bird paradise

The construction of the Delta Works changed the course of waterflows in the Oosterschelde. That is why many places where birds used to rest or feed, have disappeared. When this became clear, action was taken. At the southern coast of Schouwen-Duiveland a nature reserve was made, for instance. It is often called Plan Tureluur or Prunje. Thanks to its salt marshes, dry areas and lots of shallow water and waterlogged land, this is a true bird paradise. During high tide, many coastal birds come here to rest. You can also spot all kinds of geese and farmland birds here. The observation tower in the Prunjepolder offers a perfect view.

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Brouwersdam: A very natural dam

The Brouwersdam closes off the Grevelingen from the North Sea. The main purpose of the dam is to shorten and strengthen the coastline. Thanks to the dam, a large part of the hinterland is well protected. But during the construction of the dam, safety was not the only thing that was taken into account. This was the first Delta Work where the Directorate General for Public Works and Water Management went further than the technical requirements. Landscape architects were involved to ensure that everything would fit in with the landscape and tourists would feel right at home. They more than succeeded. The Brouwersdam is a water sports hotspot and large parts of the dam look almost like natural dunes.

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Plompe Toren and Schelphoek

The 'Plompe Toren' are the remains of the prosperous fishing village Koudekerke. But what happened to the village? According to an old legend, the curse has conquered the village. Listen here to know how the legend ends. You will be surprised.

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Delta Works Tour

Visit the Delta Works in The Netherlands. You’ll learn and experience the struggle against flooding from the sea. Who does not know the Dutch Delta Works: Dutchies are busy for already 50 years to strengthen the country and to protect it from water.

As an old proverb says: God created the world but the Dutch created The Netherlands. Almost 40% of the Netherlands lies below sea level. Floodings of sea and river water caused many victims as for example the 1953 flood disaster during which 1850 people were drowned. The struggle against the water was both defensive, manifest by many dikes and dams, and offensive, as is shown by the many land reclamation works from as early as the 14th century.

What is the Delta Works?

The Delta Works is a defense system in the Netherlands to protect against flooding from the sea, in particular the provinces of Zeeland, southern South Holland and North Brabant. The Dutch built decades to finish The Delta Works. The project was declared complete after the completion of the Oosterscheldekering (1986), The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier (in 1997) and following the completion of the raising of the dikes to delta height (the Harlingen weir, in August 2010).

Big parts of the Delta works, particularly the Oosterschelde and The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier, attract international attention. The American Society of Civil Engineers has declared The Delta Works as one of the seven modern wonders of the world.

The Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier is the last part of the Dutch Delta Works and is the world’s largest moveable barrier. This impressive construction cannot be described in words, only experienced. Near the Maeslantkering is The Keringhuis, Public Water Management Information Centre about flood risk management in the Province of Zuid-Holland and the impressive Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier. Here you can visit the exposition or go outside and get a hands-on-experience with pumps and sandbags in the water playground.

Famous Dutch Wind Mills

The Netherlands are famous not only for tulips and cheese, but also for the many wind mills. They were and still are an important part of the water management to keep the land dry and provide energy. All through The Netherlands, but especially in the Holland region, you can still find the old wind mills in the polder landscape. Some still working and others to preserve Dutch history. The windmills and waterways tell the tale of the Low Countries. Travel back in time and experience the story of windmills, water, and willpower!

Unesco World Heritage Kinderijk is a site with about 19 authentic windmills. 742 Years of Dutch watermanagement history and 15 out of the 19 windmills are still inhabited. When you visit Kinderdijk, you step right into the middle of Dutch history. Everything here lies below sea level, so to keep our feet dry, we have been cooperating with the wind and water for centuries.

Delta Works & Wind Mill Tour

Rotterdam Experience organises private (no regular) excursions to different parts of the Delta Works or windmills or a combination of both. These tours can include transportation (touring car, bike, boat), lunch, a guide, visit of the Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier and the Oosterschelde Storm Surge Barrier and much more.

These tours are a special experience you will never forget.

Interesting? For more information send us an mail [email protected] , call us at +31(0)6 498 69 004or fill in our contact form below.

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Delta Works Tour

The Delta Works, consisting of 13 sections, together form the largest flood protection system in the world and are definitely worth a visit. Experience this imposing project with a Delta Works Tour. Incorporating among others storm surge barriers, dikes, dams and sluice gates –, also referred to as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Delta Works illustrate how the Dutch deal with water. If Holland didn’t protect itself against the waters, half of Holland would be submerged. Furthermore, they lie in a gorgeous environment with wonderful beaches, beautiful nature and many culinary spots.

Visit the real Delta area in the south western part of Holland, about 120 km south west of Amsterdam. Enjoy a specialised tour at the East Scheldt or Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier, one of the largest moving structures on earth. Driving over impressive dams of the Delta works in the south west we enter the province (state) of Zeeland hit by a severe flooding in 1953, which caused 1850 lives.

Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier (Oosterscheldekering)

The Delta Works – incorporating among others a storm surge barrier, dikes, dams and sluice gates – have much to offer for everyone who wishes to see how the Dutch deal with and protect themselves against the waters. The main attraction of the Delta Works is the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, a unique flood protection construction of 8 kilometers in length, that can shut off the entire Eastern Scheldt in 75 minutes. This ingenious system of 62 enormous sliding gates is meant to prevent a disastrous flood like the one in 1953. The gates are open during normal weather, preserving the marine tide nature and allowing delicious oysters to still be cultivated and Eastern Scheldt lobster to still be caught today.

Deltapark Neeltje Jans, a water theme park on an island in the middle of the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier, is a place where you can enjoy gorgeous nature, culture and technology. You can also visit the Delta Experience there, where you will learn everything about the notorious North Sea Flood of 1953.

Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier (Maeslantkering)

But the Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier, the last component of the Delta Works located in the neighboring province of South Holland, is definitely worth a visit as well. Its large ‘arms’ – consisting of floating pontoons – can be filled with water to make them sink and form a solid barrier. In short, it’s a spectacular project that to this day protects the densely populated area around Nieuwe Waterweg and Het Scheur waterways in the Hook of Holland.

Interested in private Delta Works Tour?

GO Experience can arrange tailor made tours to visit the Delta Works. Depending on your time and budget we make a program including transfers, private specialised guide(s), entrance tickets, a fitting lunch or dinner and more. The Delta Works can also be combined with a visit of Rotterdam or Unesco Kinderdijk Windmills . A drainage system consisting of 19 windmills (built around 1740), formerly used to keep the Alblasserwaard polder area dry.

For a request or more information, send an e-mail to [email protected] or fill out our contact form below.

Delta Works como destino de viagem

O Delta Works é composto por 13 seções que formam o maior sistema de proteção contra inundações no mundo e, definitivamente, vale a pena visitar. Este projeto imponente – incorporando entre outros uma barreira contra tempestade, diques, barragens e portões de esclusas – também conhecido como uma das sete maravilhas do mundo, ilustra como os holandeses lidam com a água. Se a Holanda não se protegesse contra as águas, metade do país estaria submerso. Além disso, estão localizados em um ambiente maravilhoso com belas praias, natureza e culinária.

A principal atração do Delta Works é a Barreira de Sobretensão da Escalda Oriental (Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier), uma construção única de proteção contra inundações de 8 quilômetros de extensão, que pode desligar todo o Scheldt Oriental em 75 minutos. Também o Maeslant Storm Surge Barrier outro local que vale a pena visitar. Os seus grandes “braços” – constituídos por pontões flutuantes – podem ser preenchidos com água para fazê-los afundar e formar uma barreira sólida. O Deltapark Neeltje Jans, um parque temático de água em uma ilha no meio da Barreira de Sobretensão do Estribal, é um lugar onde você pode desfrutar da natureza, cultura e tecnologia. Você também pode visitar a Delta Experience, onde aprenderá tudo sobre a Inundação do Mar do Norte de 1953.

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The Netherlands private day trip to the Dutch Delta Works from Amsterdam

Explore the Dutch Delta Works on this private guided tour form Amsterdam. See one of the 7 modern wonders of the world and enjoy a relaxed tour.

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The inside story

Discover the world’s biggest storm surge barrier, located in the Netherlands Zeeland region, at the Delta Works. This enormous chain of flood protection structures were conceived following the North Sea flood of 1953 that led to 8,361 fatalities. After laying 13 dams, including barriers, sluices, locks, dikes and levees, the project was finished in 1997 and cost a total of 5 billion dollars. The completed infrastructure not only provides flood protection but also brings the surrounding areas fresh drinking water and irrigation.

The largest and best-known link in the Delta Works is the Eastern Scheldt Storm Surge Barrier - Oosterscheldekering. Following protests, the colossal 9 kilometers long barrier was redesigned as a dam with sliding gates to be closed during heavy storms or spring tides.

Situated halfway between Noord-Beveland and Schouwen-Duiveland in the Oosterschelde you’ll find the island of Neeltje Jans. This artificial land was originally fabricated to facilitate the construction of the Oosterscheldedam. Today visitors can visit the Deltapark Neeltje Jans on the isle to learn about the Delta Works in an underwater theme park. Children can play in the water playground and there is even a hurricane simulator!

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• You are here: Essays

Dutch Delta Works: from engineering feat to cultural statement

8 June 2017 By Ronald Rietveld , Erik Rietveld and David Habets Essays

RAAAF and Atelier de Lyon are transforming the disused Delta Flume into an intense spatial memorial

‘Never again!’: this was the credo after the North Sea flood of 1953, which caused widespread destruction in the UK, Belgium and most severely in the Netherlands. The response of the nations affected was not of depression, however; the event heralded a culture of optimism and masterplanning with several grands projets . In the UK, it materialised with the construction of storm surge barriers on the River Thames, while in the Netherlands, a vast series of dams, sluices and dykes was planned.

The goal was to close off the streams of the delta from the sea, to reclaim the land and keep it safe in the future. Ambitious engineering works would guarantee a near-indestructible delta – even if the catastrophic coastal storm flood appears just once in 10,000 years – leading to what some have since called the Eighth Wonder of the World: the Delta Works. Realised between 1954 and 1997, it was in 1986 that Queen Beatrix announced: ‘The Storm Surge Barrier has been shut, the Delta Works are completed, the Netherlands are safe again.’

Map of flooded areas and Delta Works by RAAAF and Atelier de Lyon

Click to download

Paradoxically, the  maakbaarheid  (‘makeability’) that has been so emblematic of Holland’s struggle against water is now considered outdated. Climate change, rising sea levels and societal attention to nature have forced engineers in recent decades to update the ‘hard’ Delta Works. With a view to ‘building with nature’, the country is focusing its energy on more ‘natural methods’ such as sand suppletion, to counter the effects of erosion and replenish what the sea eats away. Currently just north of the port of Rotterdam is the experimental Sand Motor, an enormous manmade sand plateau expected to replace the need for manual replenishment as the North Sea currents redistribute the plateau’s sand and reinforce eroding beaches and dunes.

Although the focus shifted from vast civil architecture projects to engineering more natural processes, the Delta Plan is still the most revolutionary and exciting episode in the Netherlands’ long history of water management. The Dutch culture of planning originates in this struggle against water, a tradition of reclaiming land with grand designs that dates as far back as the 17th century, when Jan Adriaanszoon Leeghwater created the ‘De Beemster’ polder – a low-lying tract of land enclosed by dykes. Characterised by multidisciplinary design and integral planning, this tradition dares to tackle nationwide projects – the Delta Works being the fullest and most ultimate expression. They elicit great pride to this day.

Source: Afdeling Multimedia Rijkswaterstaat

In 1953, great devastation was caused by the floods

Typical of the Modernist period when the Delta Works were conceived, was the application of hard and uncompromising materials on a scale just as uncompromising: gigantic concrete pylons, monstrous steel constructions, colossal asphalt dykes and mountains of Irish basalt. For more than 40 years, the delta served as a construction site of utopian experiences, challenging engineers to invent tools, vehicles and materials. Cable cars conveyed very heavy concrete blocks, huge pylons transported complete ships, drilling machines worked underwater and mesh boats handled city-sized steel foundation meshes filled with stones to be laid on the bottom of the sea.

‘The Dutch culture of planning originates in this struggle against water, a tradition of reclaiming land with grand designs’

After 20 years of experimentation, evaluating and learning from the first components of the Delta Works, the engineers progressed to the masterpiece: the Oosterschelde flood barrier. The first 4km were built as a closed dam, like Grevelingendam, but construction was halted in 1974 due to resistance to the project. In the wake of the environmental movement of the ’70s, renewed appreciation for nature and ecological diversity led to a change of mindsets and militated against the gradual disappearance of the delta’s unique flora and fauna, demanding that the last, and largest, flood barrier would close only in a storm flood – a technical challenge for the engineers. Some 65 colossal concrete pillars of 18,000 tons apiece were prefabricated in special dry-docks and positioned against the strong tidal currents by the gigantic Ostrea construction ships; 62 steel sliding doors ensured that the storm surge barrier could be kept open over a length of 3km, and closed in a bad storm. An architecture of this scale calls for unity, so it was painted in one colour to accentuate scale and repetition, while the different heights of the hydraulic cylinders emphasise the channel depth, allowing this hidden landscape to be read.

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Source: Aart Klein / Nederlands Fotomuseum

The Haringvlietdam sluices erected in the 1960’s

While the Delta Works were emerging out of both land and water in the south-west, a lesser known but unique component of Dutch water-management history was under construction on the other side of the country: an open-air hydrodynamic laboratory, built in 1951, in a newly created forest through which water naturally flowed. The Waterloopbos was essentially a laboratory as large as an entire piece of landscape, where scale models and 1:1 tests could be carried out, informing the design and engineering of the Delta Works on the coast, as well as a few water works later on.

Because computer models did not exist at the time, everything had to be built by hand and tested at various scales. Throughout their development and construction, the Delta Works were accompanied by a strong willingness to experiment and innovate. The Waterloopbos’s sheltered environment, protected from the polder’s violent winds, enabled the engineers to safely test their wildest ideas. Several designs were considered for the different flood barriers, many of which were tested at full scale. Fluid mechanics and dynamics were observed and examined, for instance by dropping pieces of paper into the water and analysing the flows and currents against a grid of tensioned ropes. Crucial to the successful development of the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Waterloopbos is integral to the Delta Works.

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To simulate high and low tides, the full span of the Oosterscheldekering ( kering meaning barrier) was erected in a giant hall. Its innovative open flood barriers were an engineering feat, and it was crucial that the new designs were tested against waves of immense size and force. To achieve this, a new concrete construction was erected at the Waterloopbos: the Delta Flume, another masterpiece of delta experimentation. The first of its kind, this 300m long artificial channel fitted with a wave generator was capable of producing the world’s largest artificial waves – as tall as 5m. Virtually indestructible, the Oosterschelde flood barrier was eventually opened in 1986.

The delta experiments in the Waterloopbos, and the built structures, prompted innovative scientific research that forms the basis of the Netherlands’ strong position in hydrodynamic engineering. This is useful for contemporary computer models used to calculate the impact of new interventions and water streams. The quest for an indestructible delta led to a culture of physical experimentation and innovation on the scale of models and at actual scale in the hydrodynamic laboratory. The Netherlands still benefits from this research, as it remains one of the greatest scientific and engineering Dutch export products.

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The hydrodynamic laboratory has been closed in recent years and, although it received the status of national monument, the testing models are deteriorating after decades of inactivity – today, it is a museum-park. The Delta Flume remains the most impressive permanent construction in this landscape of scale models, and the Dutch government consequently decided to turn the structure into a national monument, Deltawerk 1:1. RAAAF was commissioned with Atelier de Lyon by the Dutch Cultural Heritage Agency and Natuurmonumenten to design an architectural/art installation due to open in September 2018.

The proposal Deltawerk 1:1 is the opposite of simple preservation of built cultural heritage. It is rather an experiment in cultural heritage itself. By excavating the sand plateau around the flume, a huge experimental Delta Work, 7m high and 250m long, is unveiled and surrounded by water. Massive concrete slabs are cut out of the 800mm thick walls, turned 90 degrees around their axis and placed at an angle in the resulting void. This new space offers an intense spatial experience of light, shadows and reflections, while opening up vistas on the surrounding Waterloopbos. In future, the slabs will be colonised by nature and the visitors’ spatial experience will change through the days, seasons and years.

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Deltawerk 1:1 by RAAAF and Atelier de Lyon transforms the disused Delta Flume – a 300m-long wave machine originally constructed in the Waterloopbos to test experimental flood defences – into an intense spatial memorial

The installation will raise questions about how to deal with the future of the Delta Works – when climate change requires new built structures, will they become obsolete? The mere preservation of these projects does not create new meaning or guarantee their relevance in an ever-changing context. Dealing with obsolete and vacant architecture represents a global challenge for the profession, and demands a site-specific approach of carefully designed interventions. Deltawerk 1:1 is a monumental tribute to the majestic architecture of indestructible Holland.

While monuments are typically regarded as immutable and untouchable, and so tend to fade from public imagination and memory, RAAAF’s approach of ‘Hardcore Heritage’ marks a new way of thinking about cultural heritage and a different design approach to monuments. Initiated with Bunker 599 (AR Dec 2013), in which a Second World War pillbox was bisected to create a walkway alongside the Diefdijk, Hardcore Heritage advocates ‘built manifestoes’ and seeks to create a new field of tension between past, present and future, by encouraging deliberate destruction, radical contextual changes and seemingly contradictory additions. This cut-through bunker was part of a wider initiative, following the Belvedere policy, launching new projects to both develop and preserve historical sites. The New Dutch Water Line will be a 21st-century landscape park for the Randstad megalopolis, with innovative design projects, such as Bunker 599 and Fort Vechten (AR Jan 2016) promoting art and culture along the 80km historic defence line.

The preservation of historical heritage needn’t be static and boring – instead, it could provoke architects to confront previous societal evolution and reassess it against contemporary desires. In fact, beyond innovations in engineering, the Delta Works instigated a brand new recreational culture. The ideal way to explore the Delta Works was, after all, by turning to the quintessential vehicle of the modern age: the car. Enjoying their new-found mobility, people visited the manmade asphalt beaches of Brouwersdam and Philipsdam. Even if initially considered obsolete, historical heritage can be injected with fresh relevance.

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Delta Works

Architect: RAAAF & Atelier de Lyon

Photographs: Jaap Boelens Rijkswaterstaat, Afdeling Multimedia Rijkswaterstaat, Kees Molkenboer, Aart Klein / Nederlands Fotomuseum

Lead Image : Oosterschelde flood barrier. Source: Jaap Boelens Rijkswaterstaat

This piece is featured in the AR’s June 2017 issue on water –  click here to purchase a copy

Since 1896, The Architectural Review has scoured the globe for architecture that challenges and inspires. Buildings old and new are chosen as prisms through which arguments and broader narratives are constructed. In their fearless storytelling, independent critical voices explore the forces that shape the homes, cities and places we inhabit.

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