Cities & Villages
from Waterland
Waterland Churches
Municipality of Waterland consists of the towns of Monnickendam, Marken, Broek in Waterland, Ilpendam, Katwoude, Overleek, Purmer, Watergang, Uitdam and Zuiderwoude. Each place has its own charm and all are well worth a visit due to their cultural and historical background. Enjoy the well-preserved monuments that adorn the old town and villagescapes. Waterland is so close and yet a different world altogether.
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Broek in Waterland
A few kilometres from Amsterdam lies picturesque Broek in Waterland. In the Golden Age, ship owners, captains and rich merchants moved to the original bargee village. They built stately homes with beautiful interiors and made Broek in Waterland one of the most prosperous villages in Waterland. The famous wooden 'Broeker' houses can still be admired here today. Here you imagine yourself in a living postcard!
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Ilpendam
Between Watergang and Purmerend, you will find the village of Ilpendam wedged between the water and the road. Centuries ago, people built a dam in the small river De Ilp, which later developed into the Ilpendam of today. The cosy village is a favourite stop among cyclists for a delicious cup of coffee, with beautiful views of the church. There is also a ferry from Ilpendam to Landsmeer so cyclists can easily continue their way!
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Katwoude
Winding along the dyke from Monnickendam to Volendam, lies Katwoude. Formerly the smallest municipality in the Netherlands, today it is popular among national and international visitors. All thanks to the typically Dutch cheese farms where you can see with your own eyes how the famous Dutch cheese is made. You will also find the Kathammer mill open for viewing!
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Marken
Only one dyke connects the authentic peninsula of Marken to the mainland. The island owes its atmosphere and charm to its monumental wooden houses, wharfs, drawbridges and narrow alleys. It is as if time really stood still here! The colourful Marken costume can also still be admired here and is even worn by some residents on special holidays.
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Monnickendam
Monnickendam, a piece of history on the Gouwzee. With over 650 years of city rights, many monumental buildings and houses with beautiful gable stones, Monnickendam is a feast for the eyes. In the historical centre, you will be treated to cosy canals, a picturesque inner harbour and the national monument De Speeltoren. Fun fact: De Speeltoren has the oldest working carillon in the world.
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Overleek
The typical ribbon village Overleek is one of the smallest centres in Waterland and owes its name to the former peat stream 'De Leek'. You will find the agricultural village between Ilpendam and Monnickendam and can recognise it by a ribbon of picturesque farmhouses along the green meadows. Farm life is still actively lived in Overleek, allowing you to enjoy the peace and quiet here.
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Uitdam
Along the Waterlandse Zeedijk to Marken lies the friendly village of Uitdam with fantastic views over the Markermeer. Centuries ago, many Uitdammers earned their living by towing merchant ships in ship camels across the island of Pampus to the port of Amsterdam. This work is a thing of the past with the opening of the North Holland Canal. Also, because of its location, Uitdam is perfectly accessible from the water.
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Waterway
North of Amsterdam, you will find the original reclaimed settlement of Watergang. The village is characterised by its black-tiled hay houses and has the narrowest dorpsstraat in the Netherlands. Recently, Watergang was even nominated the most beautiful village of the Netherlands 2020 by the ANWB. Explore the village on foot, by bike or by canoe and visit the nearby Het Ilperveld nature reserve.
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Zuiderwoude
Zuiderwoude is the oldest village in the municipality of Waterland and, unlike the other villages in Waterland, has actually shrunk. In fact, the village was almost twice its size in the 16th and 17th centuries! Yet the village has not lost its charm thanks to its historic farmhouses surrounded by water and meadows. Explore the picturesque village on foot or follow one of the cycling and sailing routes through the area.