Whispering Mills: Markermeer route
The Secret Society of Whispering Windmills sends Roos Schlikker on an exploration of North Holland's past, present and future. Her seventh and also last itinerary takes her through the beautiful Laag Holland landscape.
While cycling, she gets to know Edam, Etersheim, Middenbeemster and Katwoude, among others. She is helped along the way by Michaël van Buuren, spatial designer at Wageningen University & Research. He co-designed 'the map of the Netherlands in 2120'. "If you look with good eyes, the landscape is a time machine," he says.
Along the way, she learns all about the consequences of the 1916 flood. She delves into the Edammers' heavy-handed resistance to the arrival of a lock in the middle of town. She finds out how dykes are worked on today. She wonders: how can you still be a farmer in the Beemster polder these days? And... She searches for the treasure of Etersheim.
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While cycling, she gets to know Edam, Etersheim, Middenbeemster and Katwoude, among others. She is helped along the way by Michaël van Buuren, spatial designer at Wageningen University & Research. He co-designed 'the map of the Netherlands in 2120'. "If you look with good eyes, the landscape is a time machine," he says.
Along the way, she learns all about the consequences of the 1916 flood. She delves into the Edammers' heavy-handed resistance to the arrival of a lock in the middle of town. She finds out how dykes are worked on today. She wonders: how can you still be a farmer in the Beemster polder these days? And... She searches for the treasure of Etersheim.
Useful information:
Download the IZI travel app for free on your smartphone. Be surprised by the innovative possibilities IZI travel has to offer. IZI travel navigates you along and through the most beautiful and special places. With the help of spoken guidance and using stories and anecdotes, as well as photos, videos and many more extras.
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Starting point:
The ZuidpoldermolenBurgemeester Versteeghsingel 2
1135 VT Edam
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Paul Signac: the Zuidpolder mill
Paul Signac lived from 1863 to 1935 and is considered one of the most important representatives of pointillism alongside Georges Seurat.
Paul Signac: the Zuidpolder mill
Paul Signac lived from 1863 to 1935 and is considered one of the most important representatives of pointillism alongside Georges Seurat.
In pointillism, dots of paint in primary colours are applied to the canvas. The workings of the human brain then cause a secondary colour to be perceived. By putting small red and yellow dots next to each other, for example, one sees orange. The dots are usually set on a white background. Pointillist paintings excel because of the very bright, almost luminous, impression they make.
Edam Museum
Edams Museum is one of the oldest museums in North Holland!
Edam Museum
Edams Museum is one of the oldest museums in North Holland!
It tells, in two monumental locations right in the centre, the story of Edam's rich history: shipbuilding, ceramic industry, architecture, dignified families and ordinary daily life. The collection is very diverse and includes classic and modern paintings, ceramics, archaeological finds, furniture, and all kinds of other curiosities. In short, everything related to the history of Edam.
The 'Steenen Coopmanshuys' - Damplein 8
The beautiful late-gothic merchant's house is Edam's oldest stone house and was built between 1540 -1550. The Edam city council decided to purchase the property in 1893 and, after a thorough restoration led by Pierre Cuypers and Victor de Stuers, put it into use as a museum from 1895. The interior was hardly changed. When you cross the threshold of the building, you step right into the golden age.
The floating basement is famous here! It is a loose container, floating on the groundwater. Due to ebb and flow (the Edam museum is located at the Dam, where there used to be a (sea) lock), the Zuiderzee influenced the groundwater level. Because the cellar could move with the groundwater level, it was never flooded. Floating cellars are not unique. Edam, and especially Amsterdam, had many. However, the floating cellar in the Edam Museum is the only publicly accessible one in the Netherlands and therefore unique!
The Town Hall of Edam - Damplein 1
On the first floor of Edam's old town hall, dating from 1737, is the second location of the Edam Museum. These rooms, including the monumental mayor's room, are the backdrop for a changing exhibition each year.
Cheese warehouse the Commerce
On a picturesque canal, behind a row of historic facades, are Edam's traditional cheese warehouses. These include Kaaspakhuis de Koophandel.
Cheese warehouse the Commerce
On a picturesque canal, behind a row of historic facades, are Edam's traditional cheese warehouses. These include Kaaspakhuis de Koophandel.
In 1916, cheese merchants Schardam and Groot established their cheese export association Gestam on the Voorhaven in Edam. In 27 small cheese factories, cheeses were ripened for subsequent export to other countries by Gestam. Gestam's cheeses are still exported from there to all corners of the world, but no longer from this warehouse. Today,'Bakhuis de Koophandel' is located here.
Fort near Edam
The Fort near Edam is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, part of UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dutch Waterlines, and was one of the last forts developed for this unique line of defence.
Fort near Edam
The Fort near Edam is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, part of UNESCO World Heritage Site the Dutch Waterlines, and was one of the last forts developed for this unique line of defence.
Compared to many other forts within the Defence Line of Amsterdam, the Fort near Edam is a relatively modern type of fort. The fort is distinguished from the older types by the use of (partially) reinforced instead of unreinforced concrete. At the same time, the fort has a few other notable deviations from the so-called B-type. In Edam, for instance, there are no short side fronts with lifting turrets. And the machine gun block in front of the front building gave way in Edam to an armoured casemate. This casemate was connected to the main building (a so-called poterne) by a corridor covered with concrete and steel. In the main building, especially in the kitchen, many of the original contents remain, including the large cooking kettles and boilers.
The fort can be visited with or without an accompanying guide. However, not all parts of the fort's building and grounds are accessible to visitors. This is indicated with signs, fences and ropes. Moreover, the fortress is located in a nature reserve protected by the Forestry Commission. Visitors are therefore requested to respect the peace and quiet and follow the instructions of the volunteers. Want to know more? Then visit the Fort near Edam website.
Bird-watching wall | Zeevang
The bird-watching wall in Zeevang consists of a landscaped area with viewing wall, an information board, a path to the wall
Bird-watching wall | Zeevang
The bird-watching wall in Zeevang consists of a landscaped area with viewing wall, an information board, a path to the wall
Zeevang is a vast meadow bird area. Here the lapwing, black-tailed godwit, redshank and oystercatcher, among others, can be seen. Almost all farmers, together with volunteers, protect their meadow birds during land work. During the breeding season, 15 March to 15 June, the birds get the rest they need.
Etersheimer Braakmolen
A unique place where peace, space and nature meet you.
Etersheimer Braakmolen
A unique place where peace, space and nature meet you.
In the Etersheimerbraak there was already a mill in the late 19th century to keep the water level in the polder. When an electric pumping station was chosen in 1920, the mill's sails disappeared. After a six-year restoration initiated by the Zeevang Windmill Foundation, Museummolen De Breek was put back into operation in 2005. You can visit the mill inside and see it in operation.
The adjacent Visitor Centre De Breek is the Etersheimerbraak's stopping point. You are welcome there for a snack and a drink and numerous activities are organised throughout the year
Etersheimerbraak: lowest point in North Holland
Low, Lower, Lowest... that's the Etersheimerbraakpolder near Etersheim. In fact, at 6.60 metres below N.A.P., this village is the lowest point in North Holland and the second lowest point in the Netherlands. How special is that!
Etersheimerbraak: lowest point in North Holland
Low, Lower, Lowest... that's the Etersheimerbraakpolder near Etersheim. In fact, at 6.60 metres below N.A.P., this village is the lowest point in North Holland and the second lowest point in the Netherlands. How special is that!
The lowest point in North Holland is also called the Kleiput. Now we hear you thinking, "huh, what a crazy name!". But actually, the name is not so crazy at all.... During the 1916 flood, the Zeevangsdijk, the dike that was supposed to protect the country from the water, turned out to have insufficient height. At the time, the water was actually up to the crest of the dyke!
Fortunately, the dike was just strong enough to hold back the water. Nevertheless, it was decided to raise the dike as a precaution. The clay used to raise the dike was taken from the Etersheimerbraakpolder. A steam locomotive was used to excavate 1/3 of the Etersheimerbraakpolder. The excavation created a deep well and that is where the lowest point of North Holland got its name!
Near the lowest point of North Holland you will also find Visitors' Centre De Breek and Etersheimer Braakmolen, both of which are definitely worth a visit!
Visitor centre and Polder Café De Breek
Visitor Centre and Polder Café De Breek is a unique place in Laag Holland where peace, space and nature meet you.
Visitor centre and Polder Café De Breek
Visitor Centre and Polder Café De Breek is a unique place in Laag Holland where peace, space and nature meet you.
Between the singing birds, grazing sheep and the Markermeer dike, we look forward to welcoming you to our cosy Visitor Centre with terrace. Perhaps you are just passing through, absorbing culture or looking for a special location for your party. Our menu is small but nice and consists mainly of various sandwiches and sweet treats! Try our famous homemade apple pie and delicious locally roasted coffee. Or feel free to ask us about customised catering options!
Rental:
The visitor centre can be rented for various purposes. For example, a wedding, (children's) birthday, farewell or meeting. At this location, you will find yourself in rural surroundings that are exceptionally representative of your guests. Others have gone before you and enjoyed an intimate atmosphere, peace and privacy. An entire day can be catered for, from freshly baked apple pie to a farmer's lunch, buffet or Dutch stew. Coffee/tea and other drinks will not be forgotten either.
Want to take a break? Then take a look inside the mill with its interior as the miller lived around 1900 and its impressive inner workings. You can also take a walk from the mill towards the village of Warder, strolling through the meadows while braving foot ferries and bridges.
In short: a surprising location, different from the rest in a casual atmosphere. Ideal for any meeting!
The little school of Dik Trom
At the Children's Book Museum Het Schooltje van Dik Trom, you will be introduced to the life of Dik Trom, a real boy from the province of Noord-Holland, freedom-loving and helpful. Naughty and sometimes cheeky, but honest and with a heart of gold.
The little school of Dik Trom
At the Children's Book Museum Het Schooltje van Dik Trom, you will be introduced to the life of Dik Trom, a real boy from the province of Noord-Holland, freedom-loving and helpful. Naughty and sometimes cheeky, but honest and with a heart of gold.
Some people find it a bit too wanton, others find it just too well-behaved and predictable in this day and age. Judge for yourself as you take a seat in an old school desk.
In the adjacent teacher's house - not open to visitors - teacher C. Joh. Kieviet wrote his first Dik Trom book. The Children's Book Museum has become a place full of nostalgia and fun to visit for families with children.
Wed
Dik Trom's little school is also an official wedding location. The classroom offers the possibility for a beautiful, intimate ceremony with your loved ones.
Fruit farm Fair and Delicious
Fruit farm Honest & Delicious works with nature, for a fair balance and delicious fruit. The orchard is a beautiful balance, where nature comes full circle.
Fruit farm Fair and Delicious
Fruit farm Honest & Delicious works with nature, for a fair balance and delicious fruit. The orchard is a beautiful balance, where nature comes full circle.
That is why Eerlijk & Heerlijk opts for seasonal products. Fairly grown and deliciously tasty, in short, pure enjoyment of the season: fruit, juices, cherries, honey, jams and other excellent local products. All these products are available at the Beemster produce shop.
About Eerlijk & Heerlijk:
Dirk and Vera van Berge live with their daughter on Purmerenderweg in the Beemster. The orchard here is in the landscape. Dirk supervises the orchard. He keeps an eye on the garden and takes good care of all the fruit growing in the orchard. Cultivation is in his blood: his family has been growing fruit for years. Moreover, Dirk has been trained in this field. With his knowledge and skills, he ensures an excellent harvest every year.
Vera runs the shop where all fresh produce is sold. She too is the daughter of a grower/fruit grower so she makes sure all the fruit and other produce meets strict quality standards. The shop is on its own premises and has an extensive, loyal clientele from the surrounding area. When customers come into the shop to buy fruit, they can see through the window exactly which trees and plants it was picked from. This makes them feel safe and honest.
Furthermore, excursions are organised where people can walk through the garden and see how nature does its work. Bike rides are also organised, where people can enjoy cycling through the beautiful surroundings and taste delicious fruit juices along the way. The Dik Trom route is a well-known example of this: cycling through the surroundings on a tandem and then tasting the surroundings in the form of a juice. How delicious is that?
Corn mill The Nightingale
After De Beemster was reclaimed in 1612, the intention was to build five corn mills in the reclamation area. It ended up being one.
Corn mill The Nightingale
After De Beemster was reclaimed in 1612, the intention was to build five corn mills in the reclamation area. It ended up being one.
This octagonal ground-sailer, also known as an octagonal outcrosser, was probably built in 1669. The mill has been moved several times. In October 2013, after the mill was moved again a few years earlier, restoration was completed.
At Mothers
The old sexton house in the centre of Middenbeemster is home to Breidablick's lunchroom and shop. Here you can buy organic fresh produce, a cup of coffee, tea or a juice and cake.
At Mothers
The old sexton house in the centre of Middenbeemster is home to Breidablick's lunchroom and shop. Here you can buy organic fresh produce, a cup of coffee, tea or a juice and cake.
At Moeders, you can go for a delicious breakfast, healthy lunch, a cup of coffee or tea with sweets or for dinner to take away if you don't feel like cooking yourself. You can also go there for a High Tea or Low Tea to enjoy at length.
At Bij Moeders' local produce shop, you will find the tastiest organic and farmhouse products. Every day, you will find a wide selection of organic breads, pastries and cakes. But also dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables and other surprising (regional) products such as Beemster garlic.
Bij Moeders is located in the heart of UNESCO world heritage site Droogmakerij de Beemster. The perfect location to explore by bike. Bij Moeders also rents out electric bicycles. For when cycling, you can order a richly filled picnic basket.
Betje Wolff Museum
The former vicarage of the N.H. church in Middenbeemster has housed the "Betje Wolff Museum" since 1950.
Betje Wolff Museum
The former vicarage of the N.H. church in Middenbeemster has housed the "Betje Wolff Museum" since 1950.
The name of this museum is taken from the well-known 18th-century writer Elizabeth Wolff, born Bekker, who lived in the rectory during her marriage to Reverend Adrianus Wolff (1759 - 1777).
The museum offers a large number of period rooms from different periods and brings to life three centuries of living culture of Beemster and its surroundings. Furthermore, the museum has an 18th-century-style restored parsonage garden. Changing exhibitions are organised in summer.
Kipperust
The attic houses Betje's study and book room, which she herself called 'Kipperust' and which was fully restored in 1953. The library contains almost complete editions of the works of Betje Wolff and her lifelong friend Aagje Deken, as well as many books that were once part of Betje's treasury.
With the help of a lavishly illustrated guidebook, visitors can walk freely through the museum. For groups, there is the possibility of an introduction and/or guided tour. In addition, the museum offers many other facilities. Due to the historical layout of the building, Museum Betje Wolff has limited access for the disabled.
Beemster Museum
The detached mansion (once inhabited by the gentleman farmer, mayor Hendrik Scheringa Az) and the stolp farmhouse Westerhem were built in 1877.
Beemster Museum
The detached mansion (once inhabited by the gentleman farmer, mayor Hendrik Scheringa Az) and the stolp farmhouse Westerhem were built in 1877.
In 1965, the Beemster municipality acquired a more than 17-hectare cattle farm for housing and emergency rooms for the Mavo. Later, this farm was transferred to the Beemster Historical Society. After extensive renovation, the stolp opened to the public in spring 2000 as an agricultural museum, with its characteristic pyramid shape and traditional layout.
Inside, the farmhouse houses a fascinating mix of spaces, including the distinctive cow barn with summer and winter stables, a cheese dairy and a horse stable. A special feature is the living room with an employee's bedstead, alongside an extensive collection of historic wagons, tools and pictures that bring the past to life.
A modern addition to the farmhouse is the source gas plant, which provides the museum with renewable energy. Since March 2003, the Westerhem farmhouse has also served as an official wedding location, making it not only a historical monument but also a popular venue for special occasions.
Fort Benoorden | Purmerend
Fort Benoorden is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Hollandse Waterlinies'. This defensive line of forts was built 15 to 20 kilometres around Amsterdam between 1880 and 1914.
Fort Benoorden | Purmerend
Fort Benoorden is part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Hollandse Waterlinies'. This defensive line of forts was built 15 to 20 kilometres around Amsterdam between 1880 and 1914.
Within this ring, the army, government and king could retreat in case of (possible) attacks on the Netherlands. An ingenious system allowed the land around the defence line to be flooded. Too shallow for boats and too deep for men and horses. Five forts and an inundation sluice of this defence line are located in De Beemster.
This fort was built to defend the vulnerable points formed by the Beemsterringdijk, Purmerenderweg and Rijperweg roads. The defensible earthwork was completed in 1895. The bombproof main building from 1912 is connected by covered corridors to the two lifting turret buildings. Today, wine is stored between the thick walls of this fort, as a wine importer has been located here since 1981.
The fort north of Purmerend was only added to the Defence Line of Amsterdam at a late stage (1907). The construction of this fort, which is part of the northern front of the Defence Line, made use of several new insights. One of the novelties applied was the construction of so-called poternes - corridors covered with steel and concrete - which formed a completely safe connection between the main building and the artillery units.
Poternes were constructed to the two lifting turrets, which housed the large artillery pieces, and to the machine gun emplacements set up at the front. On the right side of the fort's front, part of the terrain was excavated. This was done when a new access road was built.
Water tower in Kwadijk
The water tower in Kwadijk is no less than 45.5 metres high. The tower was built in 1925 on behalf of the Provincial Water Supply Company of North Holland to the design of architect B.F. van Nievelt and today has national monument status.
Water tower in Kwadijk
The water tower in Kwadijk is no less than 45.5 metres high. The tower was built in 1925 on behalf of the Provincial Water Supply Company of North Holland to the design of architect B.F. van Nievelt and today has national monument status.
The water tower has two superimposed water reservoirs with a capacity of 500 m³ each. The tower also has a basement reservoir with a capacity of 100 m³. After years of service, the water tower was closed a few years ago. After the closure, the tower was sold to private individuals who moved into it.
The Cathammer
Mill De Kathammer is located in Katwoude, near Volendam, and has been pumping the Katwoude-Hogendijk polder, now part of Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier, for centuries.
The Cathammer
Mill De Kathammer is located in Katwoude, near Volendam, and has been pumping the Katwoude-Hogendijk polder, now part of Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier, for centuries.
The original mill on this site was lost to fire in 1895. A new one was built, but decommissioned in 1911 after a diesel engine was installed. Around 1931, the cap was removed and only the mill stump remained, which served as a pumping station for many years.
In 1988, De Kathammer was fully restored and since then it has been running and grinding regularly again. For over 30 years, Roel Boulengier managed the mill, until he handed over the baton to Ton Roelofsma in 2019.
Today, the Kathammer is a working mill with a rich past - a beautiful piece of water history in Laag Holland.
Volendam Museum
In the heart of Volendam is the Volendams Museum, where you will find one of the most extraordinary collections in the Netherlands. If you want a glimpse into 19th-century Dutch life, this is the place to be!
Volendam Museum
In the heart of Volendam is the Volendams Museum, where you will find one of the most extraordinary collections in the Netherlands. If you want a glimpse into 19th-century Dutch life, this is the place to be!
At the Volendams Museum, you will find an extensive collection of paintings, drawings, truthful old interiors and much more. Works by famous painters such as Henricus Rol and Edwin Austrin Abbey are displayed alongside fishing equipment and traditional costumes. One of the highlights of the museum is the cigar band house, with mosaics made from 11 million cigar bands. This collection of colourful images of world-famous buildings, works of art and windmills was started in 1947 and has been one of the Volendam Museum's main attractions since 1995.
Come along and discover the story of the consequences of the New Year fire in 't Hemeltje in Volendam during the latest exhibition "Interrupted time".
Especially for children
For young and old, scavenger hunts are available inside the Volendam Museum and outside in the old town of Volendam. This is a fun way to find out more about the history of Volendam. For the youngest children (4-7 years), there is a photo puzzle tour. Can you find all the photos in the museum?
For kids aged 8 to 12, there is a word puzzle tour that leads them through the museum in search of all the hints to solve the word puzzle. Who will be the first to complete the word puzzle?
Magical Wands
Experience magical moments in our museum with our enchanting wands! Make a rat walk, a spider come to life or sounds reverberate with just a wave of the wand. Discover and experience the wonders of our interactive special effects and be enchanted by the magic.
It is not necessary to reserve a time slot to visit this venue with your City Card or Museum annual pass. Make sure your City Card or Museum annual pass is valid at the time of your visit.
