Practical Information
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How does
the Ziltepad work?
The Ziltepad is a special walking and cycling route along historic churches, spread across three Wadden Sea provinces: North Holland, Friesland and Groningen. The route offers stages of one or several days, with overnight options in the villages. Discover all practical information about the route, stages and booking options below.
Current Status of the Ziltepad
The Ziltepad offers you a unique journey through the silence and wide open spaces of the northern coastline. This new route is still under development: at present there are 15 stages and 15 circular walks available, with 7 more stages planned for next year. Eventually, the trail will connect Den Helder with Termunten. Once the route is complete, a comprehensive guidebook will be published. Until then, you will receive a temporary stage booklet as a gift at the start of your journey – available in the churches along the route. All current stage booklets can also be viewed or downloaded from this website in PDF and GPX format.
Explore the northern coast at your own pace and enjoy the peace of an area where the 24-hour economy is not taken for granted. Facilities are limited here, so good preparation is important: check opening times and bring enough food and drinks. Here you truly walk for the nature, the cultural history and the wide open space around you.
Church doors are open
From 1 April, the churches are open 7 days a week, except for the church in Hegebeintum which has its own opening hours.
Want to be sure you can enter the church? Then contact them in advance. You’ll find contact details via the button below.
Download contact details
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Ziltepad?
The exact length of the Ziltepad is not yet known, as we are still working on the route. Each stage or circular walk is intended to be around 15 to 25 kilometres long.
Where can I find the stamp booklet?
The stamp booklet is ready for you in the participating churches.
Where can I get my stamp booklet stamped?
The stamp is ready for you in the church. Just stamp away!
Where can I listen to the podcasts?
Each participating church has its own podcast. In the church you’ll find a QR code that gives you direct access to the podcast. You can also search on Spotify for: Het Ziltepad, langs de ruige rand van het noorden.
Where can I find the meditation guide?
The meditation guide can be viewed or downloaded via the website. A printed version is also available in the participating churches.
Where can I stay overnight?
On our website you’ll find suggestions for overnight stays per stage, including an interactive map. You can also book overnight stays with local hosts via www.vriendenopdefiets.nl.
Where can I eat?
On our website you’ll find suggestions for places to eat, also shown on the interactive map.
How do I arrange a church overnight stay?
You can ask the volunteers of the church if there is space to stay overnight. Some volunteers also offer breakfast. Discuss your wishes in advance. Please note that overnight stays in the church are very basic: you sleep on a camp bed, and there is only cold water and a toilet. Everything is organised by local volunteers. You can stay overnight in the churches listed below.
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Refugio: Foudgum
Refugio: Foudgum
The single-nave St. Mary’s Church was rebuilt in 1808. The church became known thanks to minister François Haverschmidt, who published poetry under...
Piet Paaltjespad 1
9154 BD Foudgum -
Refugio: Eastrum (Oostrum)
Refugio: Eastrum (Oostrum)
Near Dokkum lies the village of Eastrum (Oostrum). On a partly excavated terp you’ll find this charming little church with a strikingly low tower....
Terpleane 11
9125 EE Oostrum -
Refugio: Zurich
Refugio: Zurich
The village church of Zurich is quite rare, as few churches in Friesland were built in neo-Renaissance style. This relatively young church was buil...
Schoolstraat 6
8751 TG Zurich -
Refugio: Peins
Refugio: Peins
The terp village of Peins has a 14th-century church, partly built of tuff stone. The low tower was added later because the old tower threatened to...
Dorpsstraat 2
8812 JL Peins -
Refugio: Sint-Jacobiparochie
Refugio: Sint-Jacobiparochie
The striking church of Sint-Jacobiparochie has been used for several decades as a cultural centre for the Het Bildt region. Various concerts, meeti...
Oosteinde 1
9079 PD Sint-Jacobiparochie -
Refugio: Holwert
Refugio: Holwert
The St. Willibrordus Church in Holwert is a remarkable church. It has an unusual L-shaped layout and a tower with a remarkably large spire. The chu...
Tsjerkestrjitte 11
9151 HV Holwert -
Refugio: Hiaure
Refugio: Hiaure
This listed monument in Hiaure was built in 1869 on the foundations of a medieval church. Pilgrims can stay here overnight for a small fee.
Hantumerwei 4
9148 BE Hiaure
Where can I buy the Ziltepad guidebook?
There is not yet a complete guidebook, as the route is still under development. Stage booklets are ready for you in the participating churches. You can also view or download them on the website as GPX or PDF. Want to receive a printed booklet? You can order it here. Each booklet contains a circular walk, one stage to the left and one to the right, with each booklet overlapping by one stage.
How do I get to my starting point and back home?
If you travel by car, it is best to park at your endpoint and then take public transport to your starting point. From there you start your walk back to your car. The other way around also works. If you travel by public transport, plan your trip to your starting point. Please note that public transport in some areas is limited. Sometimes you have to use a call-bus, which must be reserved in advance and may involve waiting. You can also arrange to be dropped off or picked up; many hosts are willing to drive you. Discuss this with your accommodation.
Is luggage transport available?
At present, there is no luggage transport available. However, we are exploring whether there is demand for this and how we could set it up. Do you need luggage transport, have ideas or questions? Then please send us an email.
Which church is the most beautiful?
It is impossible to name just one church as the most beautiful. Each church has its own story and unique charm.
Which stage is the most beautiful?
We believe you can best decide that yourself by walking them all.
I want to know when the next stages are ready, how do I find out?
You can sign up for the newsletter on the website or follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
Current Route Changes
It may happen that a stage of the Ziltepad changes, for example due to the breeding season or route maintenance. All current route changes can be found on the interactive map. Under “Filter”, select the category “Attention”.