It is a part of the municipality of Hollands Kroon, and lies about 21 kilometres (13 mi) southeast of Den Helder.

Near the town a "terp" was built, an artificial hill that could serve as a refuge in case of an eventual bursting of the IJsselmeer dike.

This statue, entitled De Maaier (The Mower), can be found on a square in the town centre.

On 17 April 1945 the Germans bombed the dike and within two days the complete polder was all water again (see also inundation of the Wieringermeer).

The built-up area of the town was 1.36 square kilometres (0.53 sq mi), and contained 2285 residences.