Oude Bildtdijk

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The Oude Bildtdijk, "Ouwe dyk" in the local language "Het Bildts" is the first dike in the Dutch county Het Bildt which was build in the 16th century to protect the newlands from flooding. Het Bildt once was part of the Middelzee and even till this day land silts up and new lands are being given by the Waddenzee. This dike was the first barrier to protect the Bildt area from the sea.

The Nieuwe Bildtdijk that was build in the 17th century made the Oude Bildtijk lose its protective function. Also the Nieuwe Bildtdijk eventually lost its function when and even higher and stronger dike was thrown in the 20th century. Nowadays a narrow road runs over the dike and many houses and farmhouses are situated (mainly on the northern side) along and of this dike. From the year 1546, under the emperor rule of Carl V it was only allowed to build houses on to the northern side of the dike(s). Only with a recognition of the emperor was it allowed to build on the south side. Not more than two house have been built on the south side of which only one still exist this day, number 237. This rule was to protect the precious land from housing and this way it would be used for farming only.

With a distance of 14 kilometers the Oude Bildtdijk is the longest street of Friesland and the The Netherlands.