THE DUTCH WATERWORKS

There is a well-known saying in the Netherlands: "God created Earth. But the Dutch created Holland".

Knowing that most of the country is below sea level, your next thought should be something about protection... "Then how do the Dutch protect themselves from the Northsea?" for example.
Of course we all know the story about the dikes - and the guy who put his finger in a dike to save the country.
Believe us, that's not true.

Because if he were Dutch, it probably was not his finger :-)

Anyway, ever since the 16th century, hundreds of thousands of Dutch people have been living on the bottom of former lakes. In February 1953 a disaster occurred in Zeeland and South-Holland: after a storm, a tidal wave broke the dikes at several points, flooding the islands. 1835 people died, 500.000 became refugees and many, many fields were ravaged.

To prevent this from happening again, the Dutch government launched the Delta project, to protect the people of South-West Netherlands against the Northsea. It took from 1958 to 1987 to realize this, costing billions of guilders. The end result: four main dams and several secondary dams located in the rear. The two most impressive barriers are the Storm Surge Barrier in the Oosterschelde in Zeeland, and The New Waterway Storm Surge Barrier near Rotterdam.

In this article we write about the Oosterschelde Dam, and the newly created recreational area, known as Neeltje Jans. The name Neeltje Jans originally was 'Nehalennia' (Nehalennia, Nehalenia, Nehalaenniae, Nehalaenia), a woman from Kelt mythology. The name means "Lady of the North Sea".

Waterland Neeltje Jans
The recreational facilities now holds a "Water Park", with loads of attractions. When walking around the park clockwise, you will first go through several exhibitons, telling about the area's history, the area's wildlife, the birds, the seals, the beavers and musk rats.

Next we find open aquaria, with live fish, lobsters, mussels and oysters, which all are species living in the Oosterschelde. Besides looking at them, you can also learn about how to prepare them best for your seafood dinner. We haven't seen that at any other zoo before :-) A few steps further are two ships, once used for fishing in the Oosterschelde.

At the northmost point of the Water Park is the entrance to the storm surge barrier. This colossal structure will be closed at storms, to prevent the North Sea from flowing into the Oosterschelde and eventually the rest of the country. Inside the structure are many permanent exhibitions, showing scale models, films of the site's construction and opening, tools used during the construction and lots of photos.

Another of the larger attractions is the hurricane simulator, where you can experience windforces 1 through 12. Our tip: take off your hat and don't be too critical on your haircut!

Next we find a building with the shape of a whale. Once inside, you get a great impression of what goes on in the seas. There are many models and skeletons of dolphins, seals and whales. The life size replica of a sperm whale's male reproductive organ will make many men leave this place disappointed or frustrated.

At the end of the tour, we come to the seal pool, which is always fun - especially around feeding time.

Inbetween all before mentioned attractions, there are many places for kids to play. There are mini beaches, slides, waterslides, playgrounds and some basic scientific experiments that have to do with water and force.
For adults, it is easy to spend up to three hours at "Waterland Neeltje Jans" (official name). If you bring your kids with you, it's really easy to fill a day here. And there is no need to bring your own food. There's a self-service buffet restaurant, a pancake restaurant and a snack corner, all providing food at very reasonable prices.

All in all, this is a great and educational place where you learn about Holland, the sealife around the Netherlands, and the country's constant battle against the sea!

Definitely worth a visit - and be aware of the speed cameras, there are many.
70 minutes south of Rotterdam, two hours south of Amsterdam, 70 minutes north of Antwerp (Belgium).

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website:
http://www.neeltjejans.nl

Article and pictures by Marco 't Hart
Date of visit: July 2005