Den Helder marks the beginning of the Ziltepad along the Wadden coast.
Begin your pilgrimage along the Wadden
Den Helder is the official starting point of the Ziltepad along the Dutch Wadden coast. Here begins a special walking route of over 400 kilometers that takes you past churches, villages, and the vast landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea. From this maritime city, you walk stage by stage towards East Groningen. Along the way, you naturally slow down. You follow the coastline, hear the wind through the grass, and discover places where nature, culture, and reflection come together.
The Ziltepad is complete
With the addition of seven new stages, the Ziltepad is now complete. The long-distance hiking trail comprises a total of 22 consecutive stages along the entire Dutch Wadden coast. This creates a new pilgrimage route within the Netherlands. The path connects historic churches, small villages, and stories of residents with the landscape through which you hike.
The initiative was developed by the Groninger Kerken en Alde Fryske Tsjerken Foundation, in collaboration with Visit Wadden. Together, they are committed to multi-day hiking centered on meaning, tranquility, and connection with the landscape.
New stages along the Wadden coast
The expansion adds seven new stages to the Ziltepad. In North Holland, they start at Den Helder and run along the Wadden coast via Huisduinen, Anna Paulowna, Wieringerwaard, and Westerland. In Groningen, the stages Uitwierde and Termunten have been added.
According to project leader Ruth ter Voort, this marks a special moment:
“The Ziltepad invites us to slow down and connect more with ourselves and the landscape we walk through. Now that the route is complete, we officially have a new pilgrimage route in our own country. This feels like a milestone, but also like a beginning.”
Festive opening at Den Helder
The completion of the Ziltepad was celebrated on April 1 at the Ambassadekerk in Den Helder. During this gathering, the initiators and partners spoke about the origins of the route and its significance for the region.
Five walkers subsequently received their first stamp. They were given the signal to be the first to walk the entire route. You can follow their journey along the Wadden coast via Visit Wadden's social media.
A new way to experience the Wadden
With the completion of the Ziltepad, a new way to experience the Wadden Sea area is emerging. You walk past centuries-old churches, quiet dikes, and open landscapes where the sea always feels close. Each stage brings new stories, encounters, and moments of tranquility.
Want to hit the road yourself? Discover all the stages and background stories via:
https://www.visitwadden.nl/nl/het-ziltepad
