Broek in Waterland
in Laag Holland
Welcome to Broek in Waterland - Showpiece jewel among the meadows
A few kilometres from Amsterdam lies picturesque Broek in Waterland. Surrounded by meadows, Broek in Waterland looks like a real farming village, yet it was originally a bargee village. In the Golden Age, many ship owners, captains and rich merchants moved to the original bargee village to live there. They built distinguished houses with beautiful interiors and made Broek in Waterland one of the most prosperous villages in Waterland. These famous wooden 'Broeker' houses, the peaceful view over the Havenrak and the beautiful colourful gardens are just a few reasons to visit this lovely village. Broek in Waterland is an oasis of tranquillity just a stone's throw from the busy city. That doesn't mean there is nothing to do. Broek in Waterland is especially beautiful to explore on foot or by bike, you can eat out or visit the various monuments. But - if you have the chance - Broek in Waterland from the water is highly recommended. Here you can imagine yourself in a living postcard!
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See & do
See & do
There is plenty to do in Broek in Waterland. From the water, this village is really worth a visit!
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Cycling & Hiking
Cycling & Hiking
Both cycling and walking are great ways to explore this charming village of Broek in Waterland.
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Broek in Waterland: a living postcard
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'Broeker' wooden houses
'Broeker' wooden houses
Through the beautiful 'Broeker' wooden houses where you will find yourself in a living postcard!
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Even more Waterland
Even more Waterland
Each place has its own charm and the cultural-historical background makes them well worth a visit.
See & do
Fortunately, the broekers have always been frugal about their beautiful village and very little has changed over the centuries. And so it is still a joy to go to Broek. In summer, preferably in a boat or by canoe. The only sound you hear is the rippling water caused by your own boat. In winter, you can skate in Broek in Waterland, because just when the Havenrak has frozen over and a thick layer of snow covers the quay... then here is so breathtakingly beautiful!
Not only is Broek in Waterland land beautiful from the water, but also on foot. Go out and explore the narrow streets of this historic village where you will come across various sights.
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From the water
Want to get to know Broek in Waterland from the water? At the edge of the village, whisper boat and canoe rental company Broeker Bootverhuur is located. The Buitenweerenroute, Aandammerroute, Woudweerenroute and Gouwenroute routes all start in Broek in Waterland. You can also map out your own route using the Sloepennetwerk.
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The Broeker Church
The Broeker Church is a meeting place for the whole village. The church is open daily to everyone, Broeker residents and visitors alike. Come in and admire the unique painted ceiling, the beautiful pulpit and the impressive organ. You can also sit here inside or outside on the terrace and enjoy a drink with some goodies or a simple lunch. In addition, the church can be rented for events, concerts and exhibitions.
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Food & drink
The picturesque village is home to several cosy catering establishments. Whether you are looking for a relaxing place for a delicious lunch, an atmospheric café to enjoy a drink, or a cosy restaurant for a tasty dinner, Broek in Waterland has something for everyone. Come along and experience it for yourself! For example, have a nice lunch at De Broeker Kerk, discover the Italian ice cream flavours at IJscafé Antonio or have dinner at De Witte Swaen or Eetcafé De Drie Noten.
'Broeker' wooden houses - Distinguished houses with facades full of carvings
Centuries ago, Broek in Waterland was already considered an absolute must-see. A pearl under the smoke of Amsterdam where splendour graced the streets. People from far and wide feasted on the beauty and wealth of Broek, which at the time was one of the most prosperous villages in Waterland. Rich shipowners, captains and merchants from Amsterdam were responsible for this. Because after a life of hard work and making money, they decided to spend their money here. And they did so diligently. They built distinguished houses with facades full of carvings and beautifully decorated interiors. Large quantities of gold, silver and other exotic valuables filled their rooms. Their decorating zeal knew no bounds and even reached into the gardens where tools made of silver were used.
The Famous House
The most beautiful house can be found in The Famous House on De Erven. The paintings, which came to light around 1990, make the house unique in terms of interior design. For years, 'The Famous House' hid its multicoloured paintings. Thick layers of paint, front walls and lowered ceilings hid the decorations from view until a major restoration brought the paintings back to light. By appointment, guided tours for groups are enthusiastically given by the owners.
Cycling & hiking
Both cycling and walking are great ways to explore this charming village of Broek in Waterland. For example, take a leisurely bike ride through the village to enjoy the wooden houses and lush green surroundings. Or explore the village on foot, wandering through its narrow streets and historic buildings. Don't miss the chance to visit the Broeker Church and The Famous House. Below is a list of cycling and walking routes that pass through Broek in Waterland. Which route will you choose today?
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Boot trail route
Boot trail route
This walking route takes you from Broek in Waterland along the Broeker...
(11 km) -
Migratory bird trail | Stage 5
Migratory bird trail | Stage 5
Stage five of the Migratory Bird Trail starts in the sprawling ribbon village of Land...
(24.2 km) -
Ae and Die route
Ae and Die route
Get on your bike and explore the open peat meadow area of Waterland-East.
(36.4 km) -
Around Watergang route
Around Watergang route
The Rondom Watergang route is a varied cycle tour around the old "...
(35 km) -
Ode to the picturesque Laag Holland landscape
Ode to the picturesque Laag Holland landscape
For centuries, the scenery of Laag Holland has been the inspiration of many an art...
(92 km) -
On a bird safari in Waterland-East
On a bird safari in Waterland-East
Laag Holland is rich in nature. Green meadows criss-crossed by ditches...
(41 km) -
Ode to the scenic landscape sub-route 2
Ode to the scenic landscape sub-route 2
The picturesque surroundings of Edam, Volendam, Waterland and Purmerend o...
(42 km) -
Tramway route
Tramway route
The Tramway Route is a diversion along the former railway line of the Waterl...
(6 km) -
Future-proof farmers in Amsterdam North
Future-proof farmers in Amsterdam North
Laag Holland is rich in nature. Green meadows criss-crossed by ditches...
(33 km) -
Water route
Water route
Those coming from Amsterdam will be amazed at how suddenly city here p...
(45 km) -
North Lake Route
North Lake Route
The North Lake Route is a circular walk on the grassy embankment of the dry-mapped...
(6 km) -
Tea gardens route in Laag Holland
Tea gardens route in Laag Holland
Cycle through the beautiful surroundings of Laag Holland and be surprised d...
(32 km) -
Cycling below sea level
Cycling below sea level
Through the vast polders of Laag Holland you cycle under the sea mi...
(35 km)
Spend a night?
Tip: Staying overnight at Inn on the Lake is a unique experience, as this accommodation is housed in a building with a rich history. The building is even officially recognised as a National Monument, which makes it extra special.
Even more Waterland
Together with the villages of Uitdam, Zuiderwoude, Ilpendam, Watergang, Katwoude, Overleek, the town of Monnickendam and the peninsula of Marken Broek in Waterland forms the municipality of Waterland. Each place has its own charm and the cultural-historical background makes them well worth a visit. Enjoy the well-preserved monuments that adorn the old town and villagescapes. Cycle or walk through the open peat meadow landscape, past cosy restaurants, farm shops and overwhelming, bird-rich nature.
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Marken
Welcome to Mèreke, as the locals will say! Marken breathes the authentic atmosphere of yesteryear in an archetypal Dutch setting, where greenery and water alternate.
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Monnickendam
Monnickendam, a pearl in Waterland. Stroll through the historic streets, past monumental buildings and unusual gable stones and imagine yourself in the Golden Age. This town is a feast for the eyes!
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Discover Waterland
Nowhere will you find so many canals, lakes, rivers and ditches than in the Waterland region! Explore the towns and villages and be surprised by all the beauty to be found here.