Go to content

The Country from Leeghwater

in Laag Holland

A beautiful aerial view of a village and the polder in the Land of Leeghwater (North Holland) Beautiful wooden houses in De Rijp (North Holland). The beautiful Council House in Graft.

Welcome to the Land of Leeghwater - Rural area Alkmaar

In the northwest of Laag Holland lies the municipality of Alkmaar. The front garden of the municipality of Alkmaar is also known as the Land of Leeghwater. This area recounts the history of the Golden Age; of herring fishing and whaling, of agriculture, dykes and mills. Of the struggle against, trade across and land reclamation on the water. For centuries, the inhabitants here battled the water. By trial and error, they won this battle and created the exceptionally rich landscape of today, so unique that it has been designated a National Landscape by the State for its cultural-historical, natural and scenic qualities. Highly worth seeing are: De Schermer with its windmills, the villages of Graft and de Rijp as well as the Eilandspolder.

  • The Rijp

    Enjoy the historic centre and imagine yourself back in the 17th century. Its rich history tells its story through well-preserved warehouses, gable stones, small museums and an exceptional town hall. Relive the old times!

    The Rijp The Waag in De Rijp which also houses the tourist office.

  • The Schermer

    Get to know reclamation area De Schermer and discover how our ancestors transformed Schermer Lake into land with the help of dozens of mills.

    The Schermer The Schermerm Mills at Schermerhorn in the Land of Leeghwater (North Holland).

  • The Land of Leeghwater

  • Graft

    From the old town hall from 1613 to the smallest sweet shop in the Netherlands. There is plenty to see and do in Graft's cosy centre.

    Graft The beautiful Council House in Graft.

  • Eilandspolder

    In the middle of the Land of Leeghwater lies the Eilandspolder. Discover this beautiful nature area while walking, cycling, sailing or (in winter) skating!

    Eilandspolder A beautiful drone shot of the Eilandspolder in the Land of Leeghwater (North Holland).

On discovery - in the Land of Leeghwater

Over the centuries, many stories have taken place in the Land of Leeghwater. From the battle with the water to tough whalers in De Rijp, there are plenty of special and exciting stories to discover here. But where do you start when there is so much to experience? Here you will find all the highlights of the Land of Leeghwater, so you can quickly start exploring this (nature) rich area!

  • Sights

    This region is like coming to take a look at the Golden Age, so many gems are well preserved here. A must for the (hobby) photographer! Centuries-old town halls, beautiful buildings and narrow streets characterise the villages, which are interspersed with the primeval Dutch landscape where metre-high windmills adorn the landscape. They tell the story of the reclamation, a feat of water management.

    Sights

  • Culture

    Can you imagine it? Here used to be an island surrounded by lakes. A place where whaling, herring fishing and seafaring were the biggest sources of income. You can learn all about it at Museum in 't Houten Huis. Curious about the reclamation of these lakes? Then a visit to the Screen Mills is an absolute must! In a real mill and the accompanying visitor centre, the story really comes to life.

    Culture

  • Food & drink

    Are you hungry after all that exploring or are you looking for a nice place to end the day? In the Land of Leeghwater you will find plenty of nice lunch and dinner addresses where you can go for delicious dishes or a cosy drink of course. An absolute must for a fun afternoon is Mrs Cha. Here you can get to know tea with a real tea sommelier during a tea tasting session and learn how to make the best tea.

    Food & drink

  • Cycling & Hiking

    Here, cycling and walking routes lead you along countless canals, through historic villages and the vast countryside. Set out on one of the most beautiful walking or cycling routes or let yourself be surprised and let the wind determine your route. One thing is certain: it will be a beautiful trip! Tip: Did you know that stage 11 of the North-Holland path also runs through this region?

    Cycling & Hiking

  • In & on the water

    The Eilandspolder is perfect for trips by canoe, SUP-board, whisper boat or motorboat. Sail silently through the water between the reeds, past monumental villages and reclaimed land. On the way, do not forget to enjoy the typically Dutch landscape, the abundance of birds and the tranquillity. A unique experience!

    In & on the water

  • Nature

    The primal Dutch setting is a treat for true nature lovers. Both humans and many bird species come from far away to enjoy the special Eilandspolder. Explore the area on foot, by SUP-board or take a special boat trip. Bring your binoculars! That way, you can enjoy the flora and fauna to the full.

    Nature

Land of Leeghwater - Cycling route

The 'Land of Leeghwater' route is packed with highlights and an absolute must for cycling enthusiasts. This route takes you right through the nature-rich surroundings of Schermer, Graft and de Rijp, where you'll see the many (polder) windmills standing majestically in the landscape and the imposing fortresses of the Defence Line of Amsterdam looming up in the landscape. In short, plenty of reasons to get on your bike and explore the Land of Leeghwater.

Are you staying over?

Want to really experience the Land of Leeghwater? Then stay overnight in one of the unique accommodations! From spending the night in a former warehouse, tiny house or boat to waking up in the morning with breathtaking views of the Eilandspolder.
It's all possible here! Find your favourite sleeping location and come and experience the Land of Leeghwater.

This website uses cookies

This website uses cookies (Functional, Analytical, Marketing) which are necessary for the website to function as well as possible. By clicking accept, you indicate your agreement with this.