The Zeevang route
Cycling below sea level? Many people should not think about it, afraid they will be swamped. The Zeevang route treats cyclists to historic scenery and authentic villages.
The route along polders and through monumental Edam takes you back in time, so this is how it was, you think as you cycle through the setting of Kievit's famous children's book Dik Trom. This is the Holland we know from those old-fashioned reading boards.
History
The name says it all: this cycle route leads around the former island of Zeevang, land that was 'captured by the sea'. In the course of the 12th century, the turbulent Zuiderzee penetrated the fragile peatland of Waterland everywhere. The coastline shifted to the west, creating a landscape of inland seas and peninsulas. The island of Zeevang was surrounded by the Zuiderzee and the inland seas of Beemster and Purmer.
The system devised in 1532...
The route along polders and through monumental Edam takes you back in time, so this is how it was, you think as you cycle through the setting of Kievit's famous children's book Dik Trom. This is the Holland we know from those old-fashioned reading boards.
History
The name says it all: this cycle route leads around the former island of Zeevang, land that was 'captured by the sea'. In the course of the 12th century, the turbulent Zuiderzee penetrated the fragile peatland of Waterland everywhere. The coastline shifted to the west, creating a landscape of inland seas and peninsulas. The island of Zeevang was surrounded by the Zuiderzee and the inland seas of Beemster and Purmer.
The system of dykes and water control devised in 1532 to increase the safety of residents is still largely in place today. And that is easy to see along the way! Incidentally, the ever-threatening water has never been an obstacle to the construction of impressive buildings in Edam. After all, in this old trading town, rich merchants used to leave it wide open. Many of those old merchant houses still adorn the old centre. Untouched by time. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled while cycling to spot these beautiful houses.
Water was not only seen as a threat, because sometimes all that water was also gratefully used. Like the Defence Line of Amsterdam: a unique line of defence around Amsterdam where water was used to protect the city. During this cycle route, you'll pass three of the more than forty forts: Fort near Edam, Fort Benoorden Purmerend and Fort Kwadijk. At the Visitors' Centre De Breek in Oosthuizen you'll find the lowest point of North Holland: more than six metres below sea level. Here you can take a break along the cycle route, drink coffee and stretch your legs. With dry feet, because the Zuiderzee was tamed with the arrival of the Afsluitdijk.
Nature
The old peat bog of the - now Zeevang polder - was already diked in the 13th century and consists of elongated grasslands with wide ditches, winding dykes and old ribbon villages. The many 'braken' along the IJsselmeerdijk are reminders of past floods. To the south, the route passes through the monumental Zuiderzee town of Edam. Along the way, birdwatchers can indulge themselves. In winter, the polder is populated by wigeons, golden plovers, kola geese and lesser swans.
Important information:
- This is a route of the Twiske-Waterland recreation board.
Take a closer look
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TOP Middelie
TOPs, short for Tourist Transfer Points, offer a convenient start to your exploration of the rural area. Each TOP provides parking facilities, after which you can explore the area by bike, on foot or even by boat
TOP Middelie
TOPs, short for Tourist Transfer Points, offer a convenient start to your exploration of the rural area. Each TOP provides parking facilities, after which you can explore the area by bike, on foot or even by boat
On the information kiosks at each TOP you will find various routes that lead you to the most beautiful spots, peaceful surroundings and beautiful nature of Laag Holland. During your tour, you will pass surprising resting points and cosy catering establishments, and the TOPs show you the way to find them. You can recognise the TOPs by their green information columns.
The Zeevang polder is a quiet, open peat meadow area with lots of water, located between Purmerend, Oosthuizen and Edam. The area is characterised by long strips of land, separated by narrow ditches, and includes ribbon villages such as Warder, Middelie and Kwadijk. Zeevang is a valuable nature reserve with unusual birds such as black-tailed godwits, lapwings and common terns. In and around Zeevang are elements of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, including the Fort North of Purmerend and the Fort near Edam. Edam, an attractive town on the IJsselmeer, offers picturesque views with old and modern ships along the quay, picturesque houses and streets.
Fort near Kwadijk
The fort at Kwadijk was never fully completed. The earthworks, ramparts and moat were finished in 1895. But with the actual fort, they never got beyond part of the foundations. Construction work ceased in 1914.
Fort near Kwadijk
The fort at Kwadijk was never fully completed. The earthworks, ramparts and moat were finished in 1895. But with the actual fort, they never got beyond part of the foundations. Construction work ceased in 1914.
Temporary so was the intention, but the work was never resumed after that. By 1916, a significant part of the ramparts had already been excavated again. The earth was used to fill sandbags needed that year for an emergency reinforcement of the dykes in the area. In 1962, the remains of the foundations were also removed. The only remaining buildings are the engineer depot and the fort watchman's house.
The 1884 design involved the construction of a bastioned fort with three buildings. This model was also intended for the forts in the Beemster. The fort was never equipped with bombproof buildings but was provided with earthen ramparts according to "the Small Plan". The bombproof buildings were to be built according to Model B and the foundations and floors had been started. The sand from the earthworks disappeared in two stages: during the 1916 flood disaster for sandbags; and in 1959 for the construction of roads and dams when the Zeevang polder was redeveloped. Finally, in 1962, the foundations and floors were removed, the ramparts excavated and the moat filled in. The fort moat and island are no longer recognisable.
Church Kwadijk
The Old Holland Churches Foundation took possession of the church in 1982. The structural state of the Kwadijker church had by now deteriorated to such an extent that a general restoration was necessary.
Church Kwadijk
The Old Holland Churches Foundation took possession of the church in 1982. The structural state of the Kwadijker church had by now deteriorated to such an extent that a general restoration was necessary.
Thanks to this major intervention, the church is back in good condition for decades and can adorn the Kwadijk village centre. The church is an attraction for the community of Kwadijk and in addition to the church services, regular activities such as concerts, lectures, exhibitions, but also pupils practise their art of singing there. The local ladies' choir also holds its weekly rehearsals there. The church is a very popular location for weddings. Not only the church wedding, but also the legal commitment is an atmospheric event in this municipal wedding location.
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.
Rest point: Kwadijk
The ribbon village of Kwadijk, between world heritage site De Beemster and Edam-Volendam, lies in the polder De Zeevang.
Rest point: Kwadijk
The ribbon village of Kwadijk, between world heritage site De Beemster and Edam-Volendam, lies in the polder De Zeevang.
Through old peatland with elongated grasslands, wide ditches and ribbon villages, a meadow bird area par excellence. Near the water tower of Kwadijk, we offer cyclists and walkers a Rest Point.
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.
Rest point: Seevancksweg day care centre
Rustpunt Dagbesteding Seevancksweg is a lovely break spot on your walking or cycling route through Oosthuizen. At this resting point, you will find a picnic table, kettle and Senseo machine.
Rest point: Seevancksweg day care centre
Rustpunt Dagbesteding Seevancksweg is a lovely break spot on your walking or cycling route through Oosthuizen. At this resting point, you will find a picnic table, kettle and Senseo machine.
You can enjoy your homemade sandwich and cup of coffee or tea here and recharge yourself! Have you had a breakdown along the way or need to recharge your electric bike? No problem, because at Rustpunt Dagbesteding Seevancksweg you can repair your flat tyre or recharge your electric bike.
Farmhouse with wooden house
In Oosthuizen at Westeinde 3 is a typical 18th-century wooden farmhouse. This national monument has a wooden house, on the side with a twice-curved gable with scalloped wind feathers. On the street
Farmhouse with wooden house
In Oosthuizen at Westeinde 3 is a typical 18th-century wooden farmhouse. This national monument has a wooden house, on the side with a twice-curved gable with scalloped wind feathers. On the street
two gables scalloped windbraces, closing off side chapels. The entrance frame has recessed pilasters.
Grote Kerk Oosthuizen
A beautiful Gothic cruciform church from 1518. This church, with its beautiful crossing turret with its openwork pointed spire, has defined the silhouette of Oosthuizen for five centuries.
Grote Kerk Oosthuizen
A beautiful Gothic cruciform church from 1518. This church, with its beautiful crossing turret with its openwork pointed spire, has defined the silhouette of Oosthuizen for five centuries.
Two masterpieces are in this church. The 18th-century mausoleum of François van Bredehoff (1648-1721) made by the Antwerp sculptor Jan Pieter Baurscheidt sr. And, of course, the organ with 15th-century pipework and case. With its meantone tuning and unruly sound, this instrument is one of the most unusual organs in the Netherlands. The church is monumental and museum-like and therefore lends itself perfectly to concerts, symposia, receptions and exhibitions. This church is also officially designated as a wedding location.
18th-century residence
"Huys te Oostend" is a beautifully designed, 18th-century residence located in Oosthuizen. The residence is a national monument and really beautiful to see.
18th-century residence
"Huys te Oostend" is a beautifully designed, 18th-century residence located in Oosthuizen. The residence is a national monument and truly beautiful to see.
On Raadhuisstraat, where the residence is located, you can still clearly see what the Heerlijkheid Oosthuizen must have looked like in the past.
The 18th-century dwelling house stands at house number 42 and was built in the third quarter of the 18th century. It is a brick house with a hipped roof. This National Monument has an entrance with an overhead light between pilasters in the centre of the front facade. Above it, you can see the dormer with carved sashes and an arched crown. The house cannot be visited inside.
Hornsluis at Schardam
The Hornsluis is a Water barrier and culvert and is a National Monument. Schardam's first Hornsluis was built in 1607 at the expense of the investors who had the Beemster reclaimed. Just over a hundred
Hornsluis at Schardam
The Hornsluis is a Water barrier and culvert and is a National Monument. Schardam's first Hornsluis was built in 1607 at the expense of the investors who had the Beemster reclaimed. Just over a hundred
years later, in 1735, the wooden lock was replaced by a lock made of stone.
This renovation was much needed, as the wooden lock was badly affected by pile worm and therefore in danger of collapsing. To commemorate this renovation, gable stones were set into the walls of the 'new' lock. One shows the Beemster coat of arms and the other a cartouche with the coats of arms of the dike grave and heemraden of the Beemster.
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.
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!
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!
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
House of Seagulls
This is the historic house of Noothoven van Goor. This was originally a dull dyke house which was above a pub, but in the early 1900s Mr Noothoven van Goor bought the building.
House of Seagulls
This is the historic house of Noothoven van Goor. This was originally a dull dyke house which was above a pub, but in the early 1900s Mr Noothoven van Goor bought the building.
This man claimed to be a son of King William III. He turned the building into a pleasure ground, where many parties were held.
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.
Pavilion Strandbad Edam
Pavilion Strandbad Edam is located directly on the Markermeer and offers an accessible restaurant with an extensive menu for every taste. Here one enjoys a beautiful view over the vast water, whether for a drink, a snack, lunch, dinner or a festive occasion.
Pavilion Strandbad Edam
Pavilion Strandbad Edam is located directly on the Markermeer and offers an accessible restaurant with an extensive menu for every taste. Here one enjoys a beautiful view over the vast water, whether for a drink, a snack, lunch, dinner or a festive occasion.
Located on the cosy harbour of the historic town of Edam, near Volendam, Monnickendam and Marken, and just 18 km from Amsterdam, there is always plenty to see and do in this area.
The menu offers something for everyone: apple pie, chocolate brownies, ice cream, pancakes, sandwiches, paninis, salads and delicious meat dishes. The spare ribs are known as the tastiest in Waterland and the fish is brought fresh from Volendam daily.
Celebrating a party?
For celebrating a party, this is the perfect place. Whether it's a small intimate gathering or a large lavish party, Paviljoen Strandbad Edam will cater for any party entirely to your wishes and within any budget. The possibilities are endless!
St Peter's Bridge
The Pietersbrug is a wooden drawbridge in picturesque Edam and has been on the national monument register since 1976. The bridge spans the Oorgat and connects both sides of the Voorhaven.
St Peter's Bridge
The Pietersbrug is a wooden drawbridge in picturesque Edam and has been on the national monument register since 1976. The bridge spans the Oorgat and connects both sides of the Voorhaven.
R.C. church of St. Nicholas
A typical Waterstaatkerk(1847), evolved from a hideaway chapel, which provided space for worshippers at the time when practising the Roman Catholic religion was unofficially forbidden.
R.C. church of St. Nicholas
A typical Waterstaatkerk(1847), evolved from a hideaway chapel, which provided space for worshippers at the time when practising the Roman Catholic religion was unofficially forbidden.
The Dam
The Dam is a canopied lock in the centre of Edam. Although Emperor Charles V had already ordered its construction in 1544, the Dam Lock was not built until 1569.
The Dam
The Dam is a canopied lock in the centre of Edam. Although Emperor Charles V had already ordered its construction in 1544, the Dam Lock was not built until 1569.
On the east side, the suspension for the lock gates can still be seen and in the south quay wall, the coat of arms of the "Hoogheemraadschap van de Uitwaterende sluizen in Kennemerland en West-Friesland" (now Noordhollands Noorder Kwartier). Opposite them are the arms of the dike grave and the high water boards from 1701, who were entrusted with the maintenance of the lock since that year. The coat of arms stones recall the various renewals.
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.
The story of Edam cheeses
In the historic centre of Edam, Henri Willig has built an experience where the glorious history of Edam cheese is told and where you can learn all about Edam cheese of the past and present.
The story of Edam cheeses
In the historic centre of Edam, Henri Willig has built an experience where the glorious history of Edam cheese is told and where you can learn all about Edam cheese of the past and present.
Because do you know why exactly this cheese has gained so much fame worldwide? What is the reason this cheese is round? And where and how this cheese is produced?
Take an interactive dive into the history of Edam cheese and learn a lot about this world-famous regional product through special stories! The Experience is suitable for all ages.
Play tower
This tower of Our Lady's or Little Church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. A church or chapel on this site was mentioned as early as 1350. The church itself was demolished in 1882, but the stone foundation was rebuilt in 2006-2007.
Play tower
This tower of Our Lady's or Little Church dates from the 15th and 16th centuries. A church or chapel on this site was mentioned as early as 1350. The church itself was demolished in 1882, but the stone foundation was rebuilt in 2006-2007.
The slender late Gothic tower carries a carillon from 1561, cast by Pieter can de Ghein from Mechelen. Later, the carillon was considerably enlarged, which is also the reason why some of the bells hang outside the open lantern. In 1972, a local resident discovered that the tower was in danger of toppling over, fortunately the danger could be averted in time.
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