Gouwzeeroute
Cycle past swaying reed beds, the ring canal around the Purmer polder and through atmospheric towns that were once situated on the Zuiderzee. The Gouwzee route is a varied tour that takes you through the vast polder landscape and along the glistening waters of the Gouwzee.
From the high ring- and sea dikes, you have impressive views over the vast polder De Purmer, the surrounding old land and the mirroring Gouwzee. On the way, you pass old pumping stations and characteristic villages and towns such as Edam, Volendam, Monnickendam and the former island of Marken.
One of the highlights of the route is the crossing by boat to Marken. Here you walk or cycle among the wooden houses on yards, narrow alleys and authentic village scenes that give the island its unique atmosphere.
The Gouwzee is also a special area for nature lovers. In summer, the wet grasslands attract many meadow birds, while from August onwards tens of thousands of winter visitors descend to rest and forage. Ducks such as tufted ducks, pochards, widgeons and goldeneyes are particularly common here. So be sure to bring binoculars or a camera and enjoy this beautiful part of the Netherlands....
From the high ring- and sea dikes, you have impressive views over the vast polder De Purmer, the surrounding old land and the mirroring Gouwzee. On the way, you pass old pumping stations and characteristic villages and towns such as Edam, Volendam, Monnickendam and the former island of Marken.
One of the highlights of the route is the crossing by boat to Marken. Here you walk or cycle among the wooden houses on yards, narrow alleys and authentic village scenes that give the island its unique atmosphere.
The Gouwzee is also a special area for nature lovers. In summer, the wet grasslands attract many meadow birds, while from August onwards tens of thousands of winter visitors descend to rest and forage. Ducks such as tufted ducks, pochards, widgeons and goldeneyes are particularly common here. So be sure to bring binoculars or a camera and enjoy this beautiful part of the Netherlands.
Important information:
- Would you like to cycle via Marken and the boat connection to Volendam? Then follow the following cycle junctions from junction 99: 51 - 52 - 53 - 54 - 55 to junction 56. For more information on the crossing, check out the Marken Express.
- This is a route of the recreation authority Twiske-Waterland.
Take a closer look
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Purmerend train station
Purmerend train station is a 10-minute walk from the city centre. From this station, there are direct connections to Zaandam, Schiphol and Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
Purmerend train station
Purmerend train station is a 10-minute walk from the city centre. From this station, there are direct connections to Zaandam, Schiphol and Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
For Amsterdam Centraal, change trains at Zaandam station. For up-to-date travel information visit www.ns.nl.
OV-fiets
At Purmerend train station, it is possible to rent a public transport bicycle. Click here for more information.
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.
Zuidpolder mill
The Zuidpolder windmill is a windmill located in Edam. It is an octagonal indoor windmill with the function of a polder mill.
Edam sea lock
Zeesluis Edam is a monumental dam between the Oorgat and the former Zuiderzee. The Sea Lock was built in 1828 and 1829 to replace the Sass Lock. Since the closure of the Zuiderzee, the sea lock no longer has a sea defence function.
Edam sea lock
Zeesluis Edam is a monumental dam between the Oorgat and the former Zuiderzee. The Sea Lock was built in 1828 and 1829 to replace the Sass Lock. Since the closure of the Zuiderzee, the sea lock no longer has a sea defence function.
Anno now, the sea lock serves as a sluice and provides the connection between the port of Edam and the Markermeer. Despite this, the character of this once imposing sea lock is unchanged.
Shipping company Volendam-Marken Express B.V.
Board the Marken Express and enjoy a unique boat trip between Volendam and Marken. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the water and the authentic harbour towns.
Shipping company Volendam-Marken Express B.V.
Board the Marken Express and enjoy a unique boat trip between Volendam and Marken. The crossing takes about 30 minutes and offers stunning views of the water and the authentic harbour towns.
By bike? No problem!
Simply take your bike on board and discover breathtaking Laag Holland on two wheels.
Book your tickets now with discount
Use discount code Laaghollandvaart26 and enjoy a 10% discount on your tickets!
Party on the water?
Rent a ship for a cruise, party, anniversary or company outing and turn your event into an unforgettable experience. Check out the possibilities on the website.
Purmerend train station
Purmerend train station is a 10-minute walk from the city centre. From this station, there are direct connections to Zaandam, Schiphol and Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
Purmerend train station
Purmerend train station is a 10-minute walk from the city centre. From this station, there are direct connections to Zaandam, Schiphol and Amsterdam Sloterdijk.
For Amsterdam Centraal, change trains at Zaandam station. For up-to-date travel information visit www.ns.nl.
OV-fiets
At Purmerend train station, it is possible to rent a public transport bicycle. Click here for more information.
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