Driehuizen – Polder Landscape and Eilandspolder

Driehuizen lies between open polderland and the water-rich Eilandspolder. The village is also located on the boundary between Polder L and the Eilandspolder on Schermereiland. The protected Eilandspolder covers 1,950 hectares, a quarter of which is water. This offers different ways to experience the surroundings when planning your trip: paths across the land, nature observation and guided boat trips.

Landscape and Birdlife

The Eilandspolder is home to meadow birds such as black-tailed godwits, lapwings and oystercatchers. Rare marsh birds, including bitterns and reed warblers, can also be found there. Spoonbills can also be spotted there in spring. If birdlife is a consideration for your trip, this seasonal detail provides a specific point of reference for your planning.

Winding dikes, polders, windmills and authentic Stolp farmhouses are also among Driehuizen’s characteristic features. The landscape thus encompasses both the water and polder areas and the village’s built features. The protected Eilandspolder and the open polder landscape are distinct, yet closely connected to the village’s location.

Local History and Water Management

Driehuizen developed around 1600 on the edge of Schermereiland and the former Schermeer, now called the Schermer Ring Canal. This change in name places the village’s history within today’s waterscape: the former Schermeer and the present-day canal refer to different historical states of the same body of water.

Between 1633 and 1635, the construction of windmills improved drainage in the area around Driehuizen. The De Wester windmill was probably built as early as 1625. This makes it possible to view windmill construction both as part of local history and in the context of water management.

Walking and Cycling Routes

Driehuizen is the starting point for several marked circular walks on the Laag-Holland walking network. Walks in the village take you along quiet streets and past listed buildings. The Eilandspolderroute begins and ends at Driehuizen 13, 1844 KL Driehuizen. This lets you distinguish between the marked circular walks and a route with a specifically stated start and end point when planning your trip.

Cycling routes cross dikes and winding polder roads through the village and surrounding countryside. The 47-kilometre Leeghwaterroute passes through Driehuizen, crossing dikes, following canals and passing through polder villages. The Haring- en Hennep cycling route also runs through Driehuizen; it provides historical information through a series of text and image panels. The two routes have different points of emphasis: the Leeghwaterroute is described in terms of its length and landscape, while the Haring- en Hennep cycling route focuses on the historical information provided along the way.

Boat Trips in the Eilandspolder

Landschap Noord-Holland regularly runs guided boat trips through the Eilandspolder, departing from Driehuizen. Check the booking calendar before your trip to find a date that fits your plans. De Vriendschap in Driehuizen is listed as a rental location for the Eilandspolderroute. If you would like to use this information in your planning, check the operating details before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Oudorp, Schermerhorn, Stompetoren, Alkmaar, Koedijk.

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