Jubilee cycle route: From Oer-IJ area to recreational area
50 years ago, on 1 April 1973, the Recreatieschap Alkmaarder- en Uitgeestermeer was established. A special anniversary to mark, but even more fun to cycle past!
The cycle tour is about 50 km long and takes you past all kinds of special places in our areas. From the recreational areas around the Alkmaarder and Uitgeestermeer to the Aagtenpark and De Buitenlanden with Landgoed Rorik. Our route booklet includes a map with the route. Moreover, it contains all kinds of interesting and historical facts about what you see along the way. That makes the cycle tour extra fun to do!
Depending on your cycling speed and the number of times you stop to read the facts in the booklet, this route will easily take you 4.5 hours. Along the way, you will come across cafés with a nice terrace to take a break.
The start is at the recreation authority's management office. Navigation: Lagendijk 33, Uitgeest. Parking is free! Of course, you can also start the route elsewhere.
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Starting point:
Management office Recreatieschap Alkmaarder- en UitgeestermeerLangendijk 33
1911MT Uitgeest
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Zwaansmeer recreation area
Recreation area Zwaansmeer is located at the southernmost tip of the Alkmaarder and Uitgeestermeer lake.
Zwaansmeer recreation area
Recreation area Zwaansmeer is located at the southernmost tip of the Alkmaarder and Uitgeestermeer lake.
Since the late 1980s, this recreational area has been built here. Besides the marina with small campsite, an area was created here with facilities for families with children, such as the shallow swimming lake with small beaches, sunbathing areas and play facilities. The surf bank and the De Blankert building, which houses the recreation authority's management organisation, also date from the 1980s.
At the beginning of the 21st century, Heritage Park de Hoop was built here and a few years ago provided with residential recreation, such as flats and safari tents, and the Restaurant Krelis. Thus, step by step, over time, this recreational area continues to develop. What will the future bring in terms of additional facilities for this area?
Geological monument Zwaansmeerpad
Standing at the site of the information panel, you have a great view of the lake.
Geological monument Zwaansmeerpad
Standing at the site of the information panel, you have a great view of the lake.
It seems like going back in time and seeing the medieval landscape in front of you, if you think away the modern buildings and electricity pylons for a moment. Fortunately, the natural contours of the area have been preserved. Moreover, a handy canoe portage has been created at this point. This makes it easy to drag your canoe from the water of the Buiten-Crommenije to the Crommenije peat stream. This makes it possible for canoeists to navigate one of the many canoe routes that run through this beautiful area.
Krommenieër-Woudpolder
Traces of Iron Age settlements have been found in the soil of the Krommenieër-Woudpolder.
Krommenieër-Woudpolder
Traces of Iron Age settlements have been found in the soil of the Krommenieër-Woudpolder.
Permanent settlement began here around the year 1000, following the drainage of peatlands. Today's polder was created in the 13th century by the construction of dykes. Today, this peaceful place is a safe haven for numerous birds to breed, such as the black-tailed godwit and the lapwing.
Woudaap Lock
The Woudaap Lock originally dates from the 17th century, but was rebuilt in 1907.
Woudaap Lock
The Woudaap Lock originally dates from the 17th century, but was rebuilt in 1907.
Despite looking as it did then, the lock is still in use. Presumably, this lock was built because of the construction of the Nauernasche Vaart, which was built right through polders and allowed the water level in the area to change significantly.
The Woudaap
The Woudaap watermill has been pumping the Krommenieër-Woudpolder since 1651. Despite its age, it still turns faithfully to regulate the water level. To give the mill a helping hand, an electric pumping station has been installed next to it since 2008. This modern device can help the mill drain extra water when needed.
Nauernasche Vaart & Molletjesveer
In 1632, the Nauernasche canal was dug to drain the Schermer reclamation area.
Nauernasche Vaart & Molletjesveer
In 1632, the Nauernasche canal was dug to drain the Schermer reclamation area.
Because after the reclamation of what was once a lake, when it rained hard it proved difficult to drain the water fast enough with the mills present. Fortunately, a ferry and a bridge make it easy to get to the other side.
Molletjesveer
Over the years, at intervals, several ferries were in operation daily. From 1994, a self-service ferry was introduced, allowing passengers to cross by themselves. But this year, the ferry got a major upgrade with the introduction of a new electric ferry with skipper.
Note: Cross with the ferry Molletjesveer to the other side (see sailing times at www.veerponten.nl)(or take the bridge via nodes 90 and 91, though 4 km extra cycling) and cycle to nodes 88 and 57.
Starnmeer & the Westwouderpolder
Starnmeer was originally a lush raised bog, but when the vegetation was removed and ditches were dug, the ground began to settle and a lake was created.
Starnmeer & the Westwouderpolder
Starnmeer was originally a lush raised bog, but when the vegetation was removed and ditches were dug, the ground began to settle and a lake was created.
However, it did not take long for this lake to be drained in 1643, so the polder is now deep below sea level.
Westwouderpolder
The present-day Westwouderpolder was divided in the 19th century by the extension of the Markervaart from the waters of the Stierop to the Kogerpolder Canal. This separated it from the present-day Oostwouderpolder. Today, much of the Westwouderpolder is a nature reserve. A ferry takes you to the picturesque village of de Woude, where you can walk on the dike around the polder via the Westwouderpolder route.
Kogerpolderkanaal & De Woudhaven
The Kogerpolder Canal originated from an idea by a group of manufacturers from Wormerveer in 1849.
Kogerpolderkanaal & De Woudhaven
The Kogerpolder Canal originated from an idea by a group of manufacturers from Wormerveer in 1849.
The aim was to connect to the North Holland Canal. This connection provided better access to the Zaan region and made the transport of goods much more efficient.
Woudhaven
The Woudhaven was a transhipment port for sea-going vessels after the Kogerpolder Canal was dug. Today it is a marina and you can take a self-service ferry to the other side. Here you can take a lovely walk on the breakwater among the horses and sheep. During the walk, you have a good view of the Deilings speedboat area, where water skiers show off their skills.
The Schermer
The Schermer was drained between 1633 and 1635 to protect the surrounding towns and create fertile farmland.
The Schermer
The Schermer was drained between 1633 and 1635 to protect the surrounding towns and create fertile farmland.
The opposite Alkmaarder- and Uitgeestermeer lake was never reclaimed because of falling land prices. On this large twin lake, you can now enjoy boating, sailing, windsurfing, swimming and much more.
Note: Cross to the other side by ferry (see sailing times at www.veerponten.nl) and cycle on to junction 55).
Uiterdam
The Akersloot ferry will take you across, where you will find the Uiterdam headland.
Uiterdam
The Akersloot ferry will take you across, where you will find the Uiterdam headland.
There used to be a small ferry at the place where the Alkmaarder and Uitgeestermeer lake passes into the North Holland Canal. This allowed people (and horses) to continue the route along the towpath and (sailing) boats to pass the dam. From the Uiterdam headland, you have a great view of the Noordhollandsch Canal going around the corner and the passing ships. It is a perfect place to fish and enjoy the view.
Additional attraction (0.4 km)
Cycle towards junction 54 and at the end of Meerweg turn left into Kerkweg and at the end take the right turn ('t Stet).
't Stet
The Oer-IJ used to be an important transition between fresh and salt water, home to many species of migratory fish, including eels, smelt and flounder.
't Stet
The Oer-IJ used to be an important transition between fresh and salt water, home to many species of migratory fish, including eels, smelt and flounder.
Nowadays, the water also contains fish such as bream and pout. Also in the water is the well-known pikeperch, an exotic species introduced to the Netherlands in the 19th century. It can survive well in the lake because of the deep sandy pits where it hunts for fish. At 't Stet, there is a board where you can find out which fish further inhabit the lake. If you sit there on the nearby raft, they might come and nibble your toes.
Note: Take the same road back to Meerweg and cycle on to junction 54.
The Hoorne
Akersloot and Uitgeest flourished during the 17th century, earning much from the Baltic Sea trade Thus, many small ships sailed off and on in the ports at the water's edge. Akersloot still has many harbours.
The Hoorne
Akersloot and Uitgeest flourished during the 17th century, earning much from the Baltic Sea trade Thus, many small ships sailed off and on in the ports at the water's edge. Akersloot still has many harbours.
In addition, recreation area De Hoorne offers a nice playground and a swimming area where you can go for a refreshing dip. Fancy a refreshing dip? Here you can dive straight into the water from the jetty. This swimming spot is only suitable for experienced swimmers, as you swim directly into the Alkmaardermeer. After your sporting effort, you can relax on the nearby lawn.
Please note that the water at this swimming spot is about 1.40 metres deep, so you must have a swimming certificate. Also watch out for boats passing by.
Tip: At the bottom of the lake there are shells, from mussels among other things. It is therefore useful to put on water shoes.
Bathing water quality:
There are signs at the swimming spot with information on the quality of the bathing water. For up-to-date information call 088 1021300 or visit www.zwemwater.nl. If the water quality is not sufficient, often enough other swimming spots remain around the lake where you can swim safely.
Dorregeest
In Akersloot-Klein Dorregeest, unusual archaeological finds from the Funnel Beaker Culture, dating from the Middle Neolithic period (between 3350 and 2750 BC), have been found.
Dorregeest
In Akersloot-Klein Dorregeest, unusual archaeological finds from the Funnel Beaker Culture, dating from the Middle Neolithic period (between 3350 and 2750 BC), have been found.
Plough tracks have also been discovered, testifying to early agriculture in this area. South of this is the Dorregeesterpolder, where a beautiful 6-kilometre hiking trail runs along the dike along the Uitgeestermeer lake.
Time for a break? The nearby Dorregeest recreation area has play and sunbathing areas, sandy beaches and play equipment where you can enjoy yourself.
Note: Go to nodes 24 and 84 where you come across the start of the route again for a bit. This also allows you to cycle the route in two sections. Both about 25 km.
Steam pumping station at Meldijk & the Second Broeker Mill
Since 1874, the steam pumping station at the Meldijk has been pumping water from the Uitgeester and Heemskerkerbroek into the Uitgeester Lake, which is about 1 metre higher.
Steam pumping station at Meldijk & the Second Broeker Mill
Since 1874, the steam pumping station at the Meldijk has been pumping water from the Uitgeester and Heemskerkerbroek into the Uitgeester Lake, which is about 1 metre higher.
The polder still contains rare remnants of the inner delta of the Oer-IJ. There are silted plates and mud flats, meandering watercourses, banks and salt marsh ridges. These were already present at the beginning of the era.
Second Broeker Mill
After the drawbridge, you will see the Second Broeker Mill from 1631 (rebuilt in 1866). This was one of five mills that stood on the Lagendijk and milled the polder behind it before the steam pumping station was built.
Note: Cycle on to junction 85.
Fort near Krommeniedijk
The fort near Krommeniedijk, better known as Fort K'ijk, has a rich history as part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam.
Fort near Krommeniedijk
The fort near Krommeniedijk, better known as Fort K'ijk, has a rich history as part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam.
Here too, the land could be flooded, requiring war vehicles to cross the dyke and be highly visible to shoot at. Today, the fort is an experience centre where you can get information about the fort, the surrounding landscape and nature. Across the Cromme IJe, now known as the Crommenije, there used to be a ferry. But since the construction of the provincial road in 1933, there has been a road with a bridge to reach the picturesque ribbon village of Krommeniedijk. This is where you will cross on the way back.
Note: Continue to junction 38.
Uitgeester and Heemskerbroek
Enjoy the beautiful, wide view over the inundation field of the Uitgeester and Heemskerbroek. You can still see a powder magazine under the thick layer of earth. This warehouse is an important part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam.
Uitgeester and Heemskerbroek
Enjoy the beautiful, wide view over the inundation field of the Uitgeester and Heemskerbroek. You can still see a powder magazine under the thick layer of earth. This warehouse is an important part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam.
Note: Proceed to junction 37.
Wheel Genieweg & Fort Veldhuis
At the odd bend at the beginning of Genieweg, you can see a noticeable pit of water.
Wheel Genieweg & Fort Veldhuis
At the odd bend at the beginning of Genieweg, you can see a noticeable pit of water.
This is a wheel, or deep swirl hole, due to the breach in the dyke during the 1717 storm surge. In the process, water from the Cromme IJe flowed in here and left its mark. The current dike was then built around the wheel. Note: Then cycle to junctions 40 and 6.
Fort Veldhuis
Fort Veldhuis is also part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is currently used as an aerial warfare museum.
Note: After junction 6, go off the junction network for a while. Cycle towards junction 41 first.
St Aagtendijk
Since the Middle Ages, the Sint Aagtendijk has protected the Wijkerbroek polder from the waters of the then spur of the Ye (IJ).
St Aagtendijk
Since the Middle Ages, the Sint Aagtendijk has protected the Wijkerbroek polder from the waters of the then spur of the Ye (IJ).
Along this dyke there is also a fort where water and marsh areas have been created. Many water birds dwell here, making it an ideal place to spot them.
Note: Take the first cycle path on the right into Aagtenpark.
Aagtenpark
Looking towards Beverwijk, you can see the area where vikings chased a young girl in the 9th century.
Aagtenpark
Looking towards Beverwijk, you can see the area where vikings chased a young girl in the 9th century.
When she fell down and prayed to Saint Agatha, the earth began to tremble and a flash of light appeared, driving away the vikings. Many places in Beverwijk are named after the saint, including Aagtenpark. The park (located on the edge of the Wijkerbroekpolder) is still under development, but you can already enjoy a walk or bike ride on its flowering hills.
Note: Follow the cycle path out of the park via the bridge over the A22. Then take the first left (Toon Hermanslaan), turn right at the end (Conny Stuartlaan), then take the first left (Wim Kanlaan) and immediately turn left again onto the cycle path (stay on this side of road (De Meerlanden). Go under the A22 motorway and after the Aagtenpark immediately turn left again onto the Sint Aagtendijk and continue to junction 6.
After junction 6, go off the junction network again for a bit. Now follow a bit to junction 40 and take the first road on the right (Waterlinie) and then the first road on the left into the meadow to the lock gates of Rorik Estate.
The Outlands
This piece of land was named The Buitenlanden because it was not diked when the Oer-IJ flowed here. Today, it is home to the Rorik estate, where circular work and biodynamic food are grown.
The Outlands
This piece of land was named The Buitenlanden because it was not diked when the Oer-IJ flowed here. Today, it is home to the Rorik estate, where circular work and biodynamic food are grown.
Note: At the end, turn right through the other lock gates out of the park. At the end, turn left onto Noorderweg towards junction 7.
Wijkermeer and IJpolders
The Wijkermeer and IJpolders were the main channel of the IJ. When the mouth of the IJ near Castricum silted up, a swampy area with peat formed here.
Wijkermeer and IJpolders
The Wijkermeer and IJpolders were the main channel of the IJ. When the mouth of the IJ near Castricum silted up, a swampy area with peat formed here.
During the Middle Ages, the sea level rose, connecting the Zuiderzee with the Wadden Sea and causing seawater to enter the original Oer-IJ basin from the east. From then on, the Primeval IJ is called the IJ. IJ and Sea Dykes In the late Middle Ages, the IJ and the Wijkermeer connected with the northern lakes, making the sea water a threat to the inhabitants of the surrounding beach ridges such as Uitgeest and Akersloot. Because the peat bog was getting bigger, the IJ dykes were built in the 12th century to protect the area. Later, in the 14th century, the Zeedijk was also added. V As the meandering IJ widened, the Wijkermeer lake was created. In the 19th century, the lake was drained during the digging of the North Sea Canal. Today, the area is fertile due to the nutrient-rich clay deposits of the former IJ and is used for arable farming.
Note: Cycle to junction 8.
The Kil
The Kil, a remnant of the primeval IJ, flows here and is part of the Crommenije.
The Kil
The Kil, a remnant of the primeval IJ, flows here and is part of the Crommenije.
Currently, the recreation board is working hard on a feasibility study on improving and enhancing the function of De Kil. A combination of a walking or canoeing route is being considered to make the area more accessible. Moreover, it is being investigated how De Kil can contribute to the ecological connection along Groenedijk and IJ dykes.
Low Laender Sluys
The Lage Laender Sluys is one of the many locks formerly used for natural drainage of the peatlands near Assendelft and Krommenie.
Low Laender Sluys
The Lage Laender Sluys is one of the many locks formerly used for natural drainage of the peatlands near Assendelft and Krommenie.
The sluice opened at low tide and closed again at high tide. In winter, the locks were opened to allow water with silt to pass over the land, making the soil fertile. Now you have a beautiful view of Heemskerk's golf course.
Note: Go off the route for a bit after junction 38. Take the first road on the right (around the Kruitmagazijn near the Dam) and head towards Busch and Dam.
Nieuwendam
In 1357, the Nieuwendam was constructed as part of the embankment around the Zaan region and Waterland.
Nieuwendam
In 1357, the Nieuwendam was constructed as part of the embankment around the Zaan region and Waterland.
This was to protect the area from high water. Locks were made in the dam so as not to impede shipping there. The locks were eventually closed in the 16th century, as the water had caused too much damage. To supply water to the area during droughts, the mill De Waterdief was built in 1731. This mill 'stole' water from the peat stream the Ham to supply water to the higher Honderd Morgen polder, hence its name. The mill was demolished in 1926, but is now being rebuilt.
Note: Cross the provincial road N203.
't Hain
t Hain is an archaeological site where a Roman camp or watchtower probably stood, given the Roman pottery and pendulum balls found there.
't Hain
t Hain is an archaeological site where a Roman camp or watchtower probably stood, given the Roman pottery and pendulum balls found there.
Native pottery was also found. This is where the small river De Vliet flowed into the Cromme IJe. In the 1565, a dike was built against the flooding from Assendelft. Now this and De Vliet lie under a layer of sand on which sports fields have been built.
Note: Continue straight ahead (Busch, Westdijk and Krommeniedijk). On Krommeniedijk, take the first road left towards junction 85. Now return to the starting point, following junction 84, then take the first road right to the management office at Zwaansmeer recreation ground.
End point:
Management office Recreatieschap Alkmaarder- en UitgeestermeerLangendijk 33
1911MT Uitgeest
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Description
Starting point:
Management office Recreatieschap Alkmaarder- en UitgeestermeerLangendijk 33
1911MT Uitgeest
Navigate to starting point
- Zwaansmeer recreation area: Turn left at the T-junction with Lagendijk and cycle to nodes 84 and 87.
- Nauernasche Vaart & Molletjesveer: Take the ferry across Molletjesveer (or take the bridge via junctions 90 and 91, though 4 km extra cycling) and cycle to junctions 88 and 57.
- De Schermer: Cross to the other side by ferry and cycle on to junction 55.
- De Hoorne: Continue to junction 2.
- Dorregeest: Go to nodes 24 and 84 where you come across the start of the route again for a bit. This also allows you to cycle the route in two sections. Both about 25 km.
- Steam pumping station on the Meldijk & the Tweede Broekermolen: Cycle on to junction 85.
- Fort near Krommeniedijk: proceed to node 38.
- Uitgeester and Heemskerbroek: continue your way to node 37.
- Wheel Genieweg: then cycle to nodes 40 and 6.
- Fort Veldhuis: After junction 6, go off the junction network for a while. Cycle towards junction 41 first.
- Sint Aagtendijk: Take the first cycle path on the right into Aagtenpark.
- Aagtenpark: Follow the cycle path out of the park via the bridge over the A22. Then take the first left (Toon Hermanslaan), turn right at the end (Conny Stuartlaan), then take the first left (Wim Kanlaan) and immediately turn left again onto the cycle path (stay on this side of road (De Meerlanden). Go under the A22 motorway and after the Aagtenpark immediately turn left again onto the Sint Aagtendijk and continue to junction 6.
After junction 6, go off the junction network again for a bit. Now follow a bit to junction 40 and take the first road on the right (Waterlinie) and then the first road on the left into the meadow to the lock gates of Rorik Estate. - De Buitenlanden: At the end, turn right through the other lock gates out of the park. At the end, turn left onto Noorderweg towards junction 7.
- Wijkermeer and IJpolders: cycle to junction 8.
- IJ and Sea Dykes: Continue your way to nodes 39 and 38.
- Lage Laender Sluys: Go off the route for a bit after junction 38. Take the first road on the right (around the Kruitmagazijn near the Dam) and head towards Busch and Dam.
- Nieuwendam: Cross the provincial road N203.
The ferry/ferry sailing times can be found at: www.veerponten.nl
End point:
Management office Recreatieschap Alkmaarder- en UitgeestermeerLangendijk 33
1911MT Uitgeest
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