Location
Den Oever is the second-largest village on Wieringen. The name Den Oever likely dates back to the early medieval (Viking) period when Wieringen was still separate from the mainland. There was only a connection to open water on the eastern side, hence the name “oever” (shore). Den Oever is located at the start of the Afsluitdijk, making it the most well-known village of Wieringen.
In recent years, Den Oever has become a favorite destination for people from outside the area thanks to its annual Vistival and Fishing Days. During the Vistival (usually the 3rd Saturday of July), the entire harbor area is filled with market stalls from local entrepreneurs. Thanks to the Fish Promotion Fund, you can taste various fried fish for a small price. The Fishing Days (which depend on the water level, usually around August 23/24/25) offer a weekend of celebrations from Friday to Monday. There is a large party tent at the harbor, and every day you can find a fair in the village. Various activities are organized daily for young and old. Monday is the busiest and most festive day, as that’s when you can join the fishing fleet for a free boat ride. All the boats are decorated with flags, and the boat ride is the highlight of the whole weekend. The festivities end on Monday evening with fireworks.
Wieringen offers beautiful walking and cycling routes. It is a very diverse island, with polders, villages, harbors, hills and valleys, beaches, and dikes. In other words, it has the landscape of a Wadden Island, but it’s located right near the start of the Afsluitdijk. On the Afsluitdijk, for example, you can visit the Stevin locks. But there are more highlights to explore. Take the fishing harbor in Den Oever, where this restaurant is located. After a nice cup of coffee and a traditional Wieringer Jodenkoek (a local cookie), you can continue your day by exploring the polders, “kogen” (lowlands), and “klieven” (highlands) of Wieringen. Eventually, you will end up on the other side of the island, where you can admire the coastline along the Amstelmeer, from Lutjestrand to the harbor of De Haukes.
If you’re looking for an exciting day on the water, Den Oever is the perfect place. Situated along the Wadden Sea, you can rent a number of sport fishing boats. You can head out onto the mudflats for a day of enjoying the sea breeze, snacks, drinks, and of course, fishing. During the high season, there are days where you can join a shrimp fishing trip and watch the seals. You’ll also get a tour explaining the tides and the mudflats. Afterward, you can relax at the Basalt restaurant’s terrace and enjoy a delicious freshly fried fish or another delightful dish.
Den Oever has few monuments, like the rest of Wieringen. Interestingly (especially for a fishing village), there is no church. There used to be “the chapel,” which was connected to a hospice. This building is now located in the Zuiderzee Museum in Enkhuizen.
Points of interest worth visiting:
- Wadden Viewpoint in Den Oever
- Windmill “de Hoop” from 1652 in Den Oever
- Viking Information Center in Den Oever
- Monument “The Lost Fishermen” in Den Oever
- Robbenoordbos and Dijkgatbos south of Den Oever
- Monument “Hole in the Dike” in the Wieringermeer
- Vlietermonument on the Afsluitdijk
- Museum farm Jan Lont in Stroe
- Area “the Quarantine” with a directional house near Westerland
- War Memorial in Westerland
Also, every Saturday morning from 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, the fish auction in Den Oever is open to the public, where you can buy the freshest fish. Various other stalls selling local products are also set up. Be sure to get there early as the goods are sold out quickly!
Opening hours Restaurant

Opening hours Kitchen
