Eel Route
The Paling Route is a themed route using selection points from the North Holland Walking Network. It is a varied circular walk along the edges of the old peat and cheese polder Katwoude over the largely unpaved Hoge and Lage Dijk.
This circular walk leads you along the old peat polder Katwoude. On the way, you will pass Katham's Heitje, a small nature reserve where 4 types of heather grow: crow heath, cap heath, shrub heath and lavender heath. In Volendam and Monnickendam, the route runs along the harbour, where you can visit an eel smokehouse.
Tip: At the Purmer Ee dam (1401), you can take the out-and-back route for a little trip to picturesque Monnickendam. Of course, you'll eat a piece of smoked eel here before continuing your walk.
Important information:
- For this route, follow the posts with the blue markings/arrows. Alternative options are indicated with yellow stickers. View the specific route description on the website of Wandelnetwerk Noord-Holland.
- Dogs are not allowed on this route.
- This is a route of the Twiske-Waterland recreation board.
Tip: Do you encounter a defect along the way? Then report it very easily in the Wandelnetwerk Noord-Holland app or via www.meldpuntroutes.nl.
Take a closer look
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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.
Simonehoeve cheese and clog farm
The Simonehoeve is an original cheese farm and clog factory just before Volendam (right next to Van der Valk Hotel Volendam). During the free guided tours - 365 days a year - you will see how real Gouda cheeses are made and how wooden clogs are carved by hand.
Gebroeders de Boer | artisanal fish smoker
Since time immemorial, Monnickendam has been known for its harbour, where different types of fish were brought in from the IJsselmeer to be prepared.
Gebroeders de Boer | artisanal fish smoker
Since time immemorial, Monnickendam has been known for its harbour, where different types of fish were brought in from the IJsselmeer to be prepared.
Nowadays, Monnickendam is home to only one real fish smoker: Gebroeders de Boer. Here you will find the tastiest (smoked) herring, eel, mackerel, eel and more delicacies from the water.
During the Monnickendam Fishing Days in summer, you can also take a look at the smokehouse, where the De Boer Brothers demonstrate the traditional way of smoking fish.
Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm | Henri Willig
In Katwoude on the Markermeerdijk lies one of Henri Willig's cheese farms, the Jacobs Hoeve.
Jacobs Hoeve Cheese Farm | Henri Willig
In Katwoude on the Markermeerdijk lies one of Henri Willig's cheese farms, the Jacobs Hoeve.
Upon welcome, staff in original costume show how cheese is made. The cosy shop offers a wide selection of exclusive Henri Willig cheese, souvenirs and typical Dutch delicacies.
There is also the opportunity to visit Henri Willig's organic Jersey farm, in the potting shed in the backyard. Henri Willig built this new shed especially for his herd of Jersey cows. The potting shed is a barn type that aims to make the animals as comfortable as possible in order to stimulate their natural behaviour. Henri Willig hopes that everyone who visits the barn will also learn something from it and has made room in the barn for a "self-guided" tour, fun and educational for young and old.
Cheese and clog factory De Irene Hoeve
Cheese and clog factory Irene Hoeve is located in a more than 100-year-old farmhouse.
Cheese and clog factory De Irene Hoeve
Cheese and clog factory Irene Hoeve is located in a more than 100-year-old farmhouse.
The farm is built in the traditional North Holland style. The Irene Hoeve the ideal location to get acquainted with Gouda cheese and farmers' clogs. The farmer's cheese is prepared by hand in the traditional way.
There will also be the opportunity to see for yourself how traditional Dutch clogs are made by hand. Entrance is completely free for both groups and individuals.
At the Irene Hoeve, there will be cheese and clog-making demonstrations. On the farm, they make a raw milk Gouda farm cheese. This happens three times a week. Usually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
't Zuivelhuisje
Farm shop 't Zuivelhuisje is located in Katwoude, under the smoke of Volendam.
't Zuivelhuisje
Farm shop 't Zuivelhuisje is located in Katwoude, under the smoke of Volendam.
't Zuivelhuisje prepares and sells farm yoghurt and other dairy products from sustainably produced milk from its own happy cows at Willig Dairy Farm. There is a vending machine and a milk tap in 't Zuivelhuisje at the roadside and on Saturdays the farm shop is also open where freshly cut Beemster cheese is available alongside all yoghurt, farm eggs and local produce. The farm shop is open from 9am to 3pm.
Customers are always welcome to take a look at the cows, calves, goats, sheep and chickens. A super fun outing for everyone!
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