Leeghwater route
This cycle route takes you four metres below sea level through the most unique polders of the Golden Age: the Schermer and the Beemster. This route is named after Jan Adriaanzoon Leeghwater, the hydraulic engineer who stood at the cradle of both polders.
Among other things, the route takes you around the former Schermer Island. This island was already diked in the 12th and 13th centuries and, with its countless ditches, historic villages and special nature, is a beautiful contrast to the geometry of the Schermer and Beemster reclaimed land.
This cycle route is bursting with polder mills. Along the way, stop at the Museummolen in Schermerhorn and take a look inside. Other mills you will encounter are the Poldermolen M, Poldermolen E, Strijkmolen L, Strijkmolen K, Strijkmolen I, Ondermolen O, Ondermolen K and Bovenmolen G.
Other sights to see during this f...
Among other things, the route takes you around the former Schermer Island. This island was already diked in the 12th and 13th centuries and, with its countless ditches, historic villages and special nature, is a beautiful contrast to the geometry of the Schermer and Beemster reclaimed land.
This cycle route is bursting with polder mills. Along the way, stop at the Museummolen in Schermerhorn and take a look inside. Other mills you will encounter are the Poldermolen M, Poldermolen E, Strijkmolen L, Strijkmolen K, Strijkmolen I, Ondermolen O, Ondermolen K and Bovenmolen G.
Other sights you'll encounter during this bike ride include the Fort along Nekkerweg, the Fort along Jisperweg and the Fort near Spijkerboor, which belong to the Defence Line of Amsterdam and are part of UNESCO World Heritage Hollandse Waterlinies. So jump on the pedals and cycle this route full of highlights!
Important information:
- Free parking is available on Jan Ploegerlaan.
- Start your route by turning left at VVV de Rijp onto Rechtestraat.
- See more information and great tips on the Land of Leeghwater page.
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VVV De Rijp | Land van LeeghwaterKleine Dam 1
1483 BJ De Rijp
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Starting point
VVV De Rijp | Land of Leeghwater
Kleine Dam 1
1483 BJ De Rijp
Navigate to starting point
VVV De Rijp | Land of Leeghwater
VVV De Rijp van Leeghwater is located in De Waag, the old town hall of de Rijp. Would you like to visit the Land of Leeghwater? Then drop by the VVV for tips and information!
VVV De Rijp | Land van Leeghwater
VVV De Rijp van Leeghwater is located in De Waag, the old town hall of de Rijp. Would you like to visit the Land of Leeghwater? Then drop by the VVV for tips and information!
They can inform you about what can be seen and experienced in the Land of Leeghwater.
De Rijp
If you walk through De Rijp and see the beautifully restored houses from the seventeenth century, you will understand why Jan Adriaanszn. Leeghwater called this 'The best village in Holland' in the seventeenth century. His birthplace was the most prosperous village of the former Schermer Island in the seventeenth century. It is still one of the most beautiful villages in North Holland and also the cultural heart of the Land of Leeghwater.
The Land of Leeghwater
The Land of Leeghwater is the exceptionally beautiful area located on the northwest side of the National Landscape Laag Holland and lies directly to the east of the city of Alkmaar. This typically Dutch landscape is home to the famous reclaimed land from the Golden Age: the Beemster was the first of the great lakes to be reclaimed in 1612, the Schermer the last in 1635. It is also home to historic villages such as De Rijp, where herring fishing and whaling in the 17th century ensured prosperity, beautiful town halls, (ware)houses and churches. The island on which the villages are located is now known as the water-rich bird meadow area the Eilandspolder. Wonderful walks and cycle rides can be made here on the over old dykes. The Eilandspolder itself only has waterways, accessible for whisper boats, canoes or excursion boats.
The Eilandspolder
In the middle of the Land of Leeghwater lies the Eilandspolder. This protected nature reserve has an area of 1950 ha and a quarter of it is water. It is uniquely located between the historic villages of Graft-De Rijp, Noordeinde, Grootschermer, Schermerhorn and Driehuizen.
Museum Jan Boon
The Walhuis dates from 1725. Here you will find a small exhibition of records of Jan Boon, the last shipowner of De Rijp.
Museum Jan Boon
The Walhuis dates from 1725. Here you will find a small exhibition of records of Jan Boon, the last shipowner of De Rijp.
The Boon family was mainly involved in fishing, both whaling and herring fishing. After more than 100 years of vacancy, it was decided in 1983 to restore the former barn - the Walhuis (1725) - and give it a socio-cultural purpose. Here you will find an exhibition on the life and work of Jan Boon junior.
About Museum Jan Boon
Jan Boon's estate included not only various business assets, but also movable and immovable property that could be counted as private property of the Boon family. These items included documents of a personal nature, such as letters, a family bible, various household effects and a large collection of nautical maps by renowned Dutch cartographers. Some of the items were kept in the Society's premises and others in a barn (now the Walhuis) by the water. The condition of the items was, in many cases, downright poor. Stamps and parts of texts had been cut away, probably at the hands of the children of the various directors. Moreover, mould and mice and insects did not improve the condition of these documents. Documents were also given to third parties for inspection without any records.
After the foundation of the Rijper"Museum In 't Houten Huis" in 1937, it was decided to loan several pieces to the museum. Part of this collection is on permanent display there in the "living room" to this day.
Sculpture garden De Eilandspolder
The gallery opened on 17 July 1999. The Sculpture Garden has been a household name in Graft de Rijp and the surrounding area for several years.
Sculpture garden De Eilandspolder
The gallery opened on 17 July 1999. The Sculpture Garden has been a household name in Graft de Rijp and the surrounding area for several years.
The gallery is permanently closed, but the sculpture garden can be visited by appointment or when the flag is hanging outside. Elly Hoek de Reus, visual artist, permanently exhibits her own bronze sculptures and also works on commission. She also organises changing exhibitions by different artists, ranging from ceramics and paintings to jewellery, both in the gallery and in the garden.
Entrance is free and you are most welcome! Besides exhibitions, you can also find exclusive and affordable gift items. Elly likes to invite you to her studio, where you can often see her at work, and to the sculpture garden. Here you can enjoy the beautiful landscape of the Eilandspolder in a relaxed atmosphere. In summer, boats sail there and in winter it is a popular route for skaters.
The Eilandspolder nature reserve
In the middle of the Land of Leeghwater lies the Eilandspolder. The protected nature reserve has an area of 1950 ha and a quarter of it consists of water. It is uniquely situated between the historic villages of Graft-De Rijp, Noordeinde, Grootschermer, Schermer
The Eilandspolder nature reserve
In the middle of the Land of Leeghwater lies the Eilandspolder. The protected nature reserve has an area of 1950 ha and a quarter of it consists of water. It is uniquely situated between the historic villages of Graft-De Rijp, Noordeinde, Grootschermer, Schermer
The extensive peat meadow area has a marshy and nutrient-rich peat soil and is very popular among various bird species. In spring, you will find meadow birds such as the black-tailed godwit, lapwing and oystercatcher, but rare marsh birds such as the bittern and reed warbler can also be seen in the reedbeds. The spoonbill is also a welcome guest in spring. In the winter months, wigeon and teal feel completely at home here, enjoying the tranquillity and abundance of food.
Discover the Eilandspolder nature reserve by walking, cycling, rollerblading, sailing or - in winter - skating. There are various routes that take you past the most beautiful spots.
Farm shop Natural Pleasure
The farm shop offers delicious products. Here you can buy beef and lamb, organic milk and eggs from their own farm. On Saturdays, they also sell organic raw milk. The meat is packed in 2-4 portions and frozen.
Farm shop Natural Pleasure
The farm shop offers delicious products. Here you can buy beef and lamb, organic milk and eggs from their own farm. On Saturdays, they also sell organic raw milk. The meat is packed in 2-4 person portions and frozen.
Looking for honest, tasty, healthy and traceable products? At Natuurlijk Genoegen, you've come to the right place! You may, of course, greet the cows in the barn during your visit.
The shop is open every Saturday from 9am-1pm and meat sales during the week by telephone appointment.
The Little Black Church
Around 1665, the Little Black Church was built by Pieter and Claes Dirkz. Entirely in wood. The shoring was black tarred, hence the name.
The Little Black Church
Around 1665, the Little Black Church was built by Pieter and Claes Dirkz. Entirely in wood. The shoring was black tarred, hence the name.
At the rear is the sexton's house. The building was largely rebuilt in 1834 in brick, the tower remained wooden. It was also used as a school until 1790, when a schoolhouse was built next to the church and used as such until 1900. The church has a simple interior, against the south wall a pulpit (1665). The brass baptismal arch with a mill in the top, dates from the 18th century, as does the six-armed candle crown with coats of arms. The painting was restored to its original state as much as possible during the major restoration (1982-1986). The Little Black Church is also available as a wedding venue.
Church Stompetoren
In 1662, almost 30 years after the Schermer was drained, the polder administration decided to build a church. The construction of the church lasted from 1662 to 1664.
Church Stompetoren
In 1662, almost 30 years after the Schermer was drained, the polder administration decided to build a church. The construction of the church lasted from 1662 to 1664.
According to the design, the tower was not given a spire. The village of Stompetoren owes its name to it.
Museummolen De Schermer Mills
The Museummolen in Schermerhorn is one of the 11 remaining polder mills in Schermer that drained the polder 400 years ago. The Museummolen is the middle one of three mills in a row near Schermerhorn.
Museummolen De Schermer Mills
The Museummolen in Schermerhorn is one of the 11 remaining polder mills in Schermer that drained the polder 400 years ago. The Museummolen is the middle one of three mills in a row near Schermerhorn.
Together, the three mills form a beautiful, primal Dutch picture. Lower Mill D, the middle one of the three, is set up as the Museum Mill. Lower mill C stands to the west and Upper mill E to the east of it.
You can see the museum mill from bottom to top. You can see exactly how a watermill works and how the Schermerpolder was formed 400 years ago when the Schermeer lake was drained. The museum also gives you an idea of how people used to live and work in a polder mill. Furthermore, a film is shown in the film room that explains the history of the polder and the development of polder drainage.
The octagonal inner mill was transferred from Oudorp or Rustenburg in 1636. Like lower mill C, the mill received an auger instead of a scoop wheel in 1850 and became a two-high grinding auger passage.
In 1980, the old shed - called millboetje - was converted into a visitor centre. Since its extension in 2007, the visitor centre is also an official wedding venue.
Grote Kerk Schermerhorn
In the middle of the rural North Holland village of Schermerhorn stands the atmospheric Grote Kerk. Built in 1636 and completely renovated in 2017. This has made it an impressively beautiful location for any activity, where great memories and special impressions can be created.
Grote Kerk Schermerhorn
In the middle of the rural North Holland village of Schermerhorn stands the atmospheric Grote Kerk. Built in 1636 and completely renovated in 2017. This has made it an impressively beautiful location for any activity, where great memories and special impressions can be created.
Take a look inside the church and its history The Grote Kerk Schermerhorn dates back to 1636 and has many cultural-historical treasures. For example, have you seen the beautiful 17th-century stained-glass windows in the church? And there is so much more extraordinary cultural heritage to see. Take a look at the church and its history.
In addition, check out the agenda of the church's own cultural programme, but above all, get inspired to organise your own event in our church. Weddings, mourning, business meetings or cultural events: everything is possible. To make your activity possible, they are happy to think along with you. They work together with our 'purveyors' for tailor-made arrangements.
Mennonite Brewing Association - Beemster
The foundation stone was laid on 1 October 1784 as witnessed by the gable stone.
Mennonite Brewing Association - Beemster
The foundation stone was laid on 1 October 1784 as witnessed by the gable stone.
Text on plaque:
On Hope Of God's Dierbre Blessing
Of His Protection Love And Faithfulness
This is how I laid the
The very first stone laid
On 1 October 1784
David Gerrisz Beets
The (church) building dates from 1789 and was built to look like a barn from the outside, with a simple interior. The building costs were fl. 7,644.20. At the front, the old presbytery is under one roof. To the left of the church is the new presbytery (Middenweg 88), a mansion from 1872.
In the 19th century, Multatuli's brother (Eduard Douwes Dekker) Rev P. Douwes Dekker was pastor at the Vermaning. The church has an austere interior and features a Flaes organ. The building (shelter church) is still used as a Baptist church.
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.
Farm "The Unicorn"
Farmhouse "De Eenhoorn" is the richest example of a stolp farm in De Beemster. The living area is made of brick and the barn area extended backwards is made of wood.
Farm "The Unicorn"
Farmhouse "De Eenhoorn" is the richest example of a stolp farm in De Beemster. The living area is made of brick and the barn area extended backwards is made of wood.
The raised central part with neck gable is a variant of the Amsterdam Vingboons style (Philip Vingboons), crowned with, among other things, the statue of a unicorn and decorated with carved gable ornaments and a cartouche with 1682. The living area is partly cellared and the milk cellar has a tiled fireplace.
Typical of these farms are the large orchards. These had several functions: in addition to fruit production, they provided coppicing and tool wood. In early spring, sheep and their newborn lambs roamed there. Later in summer, calves grazed there. The client then was the mayor of Hoorn.
Fort near Spijkerboor
The fort near Spijkerboor was the main fort in the northern front of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. From here, the highly strategic dykes around the Beemsterringvaart and the North Holland Canal were defended.
Fort near Spijkerboor
The fort near Spijkerboor was the main fort in the northern front of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. From here, the highly strategic dykes around the Beemsterringvaart and the North Holland Canal were defended.
The Fort near Spijkerboor was therefore equipped with the heaviest artillery of any fort in this part of the front. At the front, a rotating armoured turret was even fitted with two pieces of artillery of 10.5-centimetre calibre with a range of no less than ten kilometres. This turret and artillery are still present and can also be visited.
The two-storey fort building was used as a prison several times after the First World War. The bars in front of the windows and the interior murals date from those periods.
In 2026, the fort will reopen its doors for viewing! On these days, you can join guided tours, or set off on your own via a marked walking route.
Museum In 't Houten Huis
The museum offers a very varied collection about the history of De Rijp and the Schermer Island.
Museum In 't Houten Huis
The museum offers a very varied collection about the history of De Rijp and the Schermer Island.
The poor peat soil drove them onto the water. They were Sont sailors, herring fishermen and whalers. At home, ship owners, merchants, rope makers, coopers and other craftsmen earned their living from shipping. As an introduction to what you will see in the museum, you will see two short films in the audiovisual room. In these, Jan Adriaansz Leeghwater (born in De Rijp in 1575) plays an important role.
One film is about the development of the Schermer Island from the Middle Ages to the present day. The second film is about the battle against the water and about the reclamation works. In it, Jan Adriaansz Leeghwater (born in De Rijp in 1575) plays an important role. The museum has a lot to offer. For instance, the themes of herring fishing, whaling and seafaring are highlighted using old sea charts, journals, prints, ship parts, models of herring pipes, whale bones and baleen objects. A kayak brought back from Greenland by Rijper whalers is a masterpiece of the collection. There are small audiovisual presentations about this kayak, seafaring, and herring fishing.
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