Migratory bird trail | Stage 2
Stage two of the Trekvogelpad starts in the always lively town of Alkmaar and takes you through the historic centre. Walking through the centre, you pass the Grote St. Laurenskerk, the 16th-century Hofje van Sonoy and across the lively Waagplein square.
With a bit of luck, during the summer period you will find the popular cheese market, which attracts many visitors every year. For more information on the cheese market, visit www.kaasmarkt.nl.
From Alkmaar, a ferry takes you to the Schermer polder and the Eilandspolder peat meadow area. You may no longer imagine it, but centuries ago the Schermer polder was one big lake containing the Schermer Island. Thanks to reclamation, thousands of people can now live, work and recreate here and the former Schermer Island is better known as the Eilandspolder. In this beautiful area, you will find an alternation of farmland and marsh culture, with a huge diversity of meadow birds to your heart's content. During the walk, enjoy the green grasslands, old Dutch mills, the historic centre of Graft and don't forget to spot the most beautiful birds.
Important information:...
With a bit of luck, during the summer period you will find the popular cheese market, which attracts many visitors every year. For more information on the cheese market, visit www.kaasmarkt.nl.
From Alkmaar, a ferry takes you to the Schermer polder and the Eilandspolder peat meadow area. You may no longer imagine it, but centuries ago the Schermer polder was one big lake containing the Schermer Island. Thanks to reclamation, thousands of people can now live, work and recreate here and the former Schermer Island is better known as the Eilandspolder. In this beautiful area, you will find an alternation of farmland and marsh culture, with a huge diversity of meadow birds to your heart's content. During the walk, enjoy the green grasslands, old Dutch mills, the historic centre of Graft and don't forget to spot the most beautiful birds.
Important information:
- Download the GPX file and/or PDF of the route before heading out.
More stages in Laag Holland:
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Starting point
Zevenhuizen 48
1811 KB Alkmaar
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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.
End point
Raadhuisstraat 9
1484 EM Graft
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