Anyone walking Het Ziltepad moves along dikes, salt marshes, villages, and old churches. The landscape changes continuously, as do the conditions along the way. That is exactly why a long-distance route like this benefits from a single place where everything comes together.

Het Ziltepad is an initiative by Groninger Kerken and Stichting Alde Fryske Tsjerken, in collaboration with Visit Wadden. Since April 1st, 2026, walkers can cover more than 400 kilometers from Den Helder to Termunten. The route consists of 22 stages and an equal number of circular walks. Along the way, they discover not only the UNESCO World Heritage Wadden Sea, but also small villages, personal stories, and churches where you can sometimes even stay overnight.

From stage booklets to a single digital map

In the beginning, Het Ziltepad mainly worked with stage booklets and paper maps. These provided structure, but also raised questions along the way. Can you really walk across that meadow? Is that wooden plank over the ditch part of the route? And what happens if a stage temporarily changes due to construction work?

These questions became increasingly relevant, as Het Ziltepad runs through an area with many ongoing developments, such as dike reinforcement and works around the Afsluitdijk. In those cases, you want to inform walkers quickly and reliably, without constantly reprinting materials.

That is why Het Ziltepad, together with Wolf Maps, developed a digital route map. Not as an extra layer next to the route, but as a practical tool that makes the entire journey more transparent.

A guide that truly helps along the way

On the map, walkers can see exactly where they are once they enable location tracking. This brings peace of mind on a route of this scale. Especially in a vast coastal landscape, where food, rest stops, and accommodation are not always available around the corner.

That is why the map contains more than just the route. Walkers can also see where they can eat, drink, or stay overnight. In addition, each of the 22 churches includes a podcast with personal stories from local residents. This turns the map into more than a navigation tool, it becomes a way to experience the landscape and its places more deeply.

On the Het Ziltepad website, walkers can plan their journey directly with the map. And via the QR code in all 22 stage booklets, they can easily open the same map on their phone. No app required, just in the browser.

Ruth ter Voort - Het Ziltepad

We are very happy with our interactive map of Het Ziltepad! We can make updates instantly, ensuring walkers always have up-to-date information. It is great that users can zoom in, toggle categories on and off, and easily view everything along the way, without needing to install an app. Very user-friendly and excellent support!

Always up to date, also behind the scenes

For route managers, real-time accuracy is key. Temporary diversions or changes are updated instantly. This keeps the map usable, even when conditions along the route change.

In addition, Wolf Maps is connected to data sources from tourism organizations such as Merk Fryslân, Marketing Groningen, and the Kop van Noord-Holland. This automatically creates a more complete overview of rest areas, accommodation, and hospitality along the route. It reduces maintenance work and ensures walkers head out with up-to-date information.

Helping walkers improve the route

The map does not only work from organization to visitor, but also the other way around. Walkers can submit suggestions and feedback along the way. For example, a blocked path, an unclear section of the route, or a location that is still missing.

This allows the map to evolve with what is happening in the field. Not only for the route managers of Het Ziltepad, but also for the next walker.

Insight into usage, without extra complexity

Through the dashboard, Het Ziltepad can see how the map is being used. Which stages are viewed most often? How frequently are QR codes scanned? How long do walkers typically stay on the map? And which points along the route are consulted most?

These insights help improve both the route and its communication. Everything is GDPR-compliant, without making the map heavier or more complex for users.

A route that can grow over time

Het Ziltepad is already looking ahead. There are plans to potentially extend the route along the Wadden coast towards Germany and Denmark. A digital map can easily grow with this. New stages, features, and updates can simply be added online.

This case clearly shows what an interactive map can mean for long-distance routes: less fragmented information, more clarity along the way, and a route that stays up to date without extra friction for walkers or managers.

Curious how a digital map could enhance your route or walking network? Plan a demo with Wolf Maps .