| Holwert | |
| Settlement Type: | Village |
| Pushpin Map: | Netherlands Friesland#Netherlands |
| Pushpin Label Position: | left |
| Pushpin Mapsize: | 250 |
| Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in the Netherlands |
| Coordinates: | 53.3667°N 59°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: |  Netherlands |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | Friesland |
| Subdivision Type2: | Municipality |
| Subdivision Name2: | Noardeast-Fryslân |
| Unit Pref: | Metric |
| Area Total Km2: | 18.42 |
| Elevation Footnotes: | [1] |
| Elevation M: | 0.7 |
| Population As Of: | 2021 |
| Population Footnotes: | [2] |
| Population Total: | 1,595 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Timezone: | CET |
| Utc Offset: | +1 |
| Timezone Dst: | CEST |
| Utc Offset Dst: | +2 |
| Postal Code Type: | Postal code |
| Postal Code: | 9151 |
| Area Code Type: | Dialing code |
| Area 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.
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".[4] 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.[5]
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.[5] In 1840, Holwert was home to 1,741 people.[6]
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]