Akersloot: Mills, Church and Alkmaardermeer

The Alkmaardermeer is at the heart of Akersloot. Paths, mills and church history give the village several other, very different facets. If you’re looking for a hotel for a trip to Akersloot, the local attractions can help you plan your stay: would you like to go hiking, take a cycling tour or explore the village’s cultural heritage?

Water and paths around Akersloot

The path along the Akerslootse Polder offers views of water and meadows. The Pontjesroute provides a different perspective: it runs alongside the Alkmaardermeer and Uitgeestermeer, crosses several ferries and passes distinctive mills. The Pontjesroute is a cycling route; the path along the polder can serve as a guide for a walk. The two options therefore differ both in how you get around and in the views they offer.

Rondje Akersloot is a six-kilometre walking route that starts at the Oude Kerk Akersloot. It is an educational route for primary-school-age children. Another option is Rondje Museumgemaal Akersloot: this route includes a short outdoor walk that starts at 1 p.m. on the first Sunday afternoon of every month from April onwards. While the distance is specified for Rondje Akersloot, the monthly start time is a useful planning detail for Rondje Museumgemaal.

An annual event is also part of Akersloot’s calendar: the Rock 'n Roll Weekend takes place in Akersloot every August. Check the dates and programme for the relevant year if you’d like to include the event in your travel plans.

Mills and church heritage

The Korenmolen De Oude Knegt is a distinctive octagonal Zaanse grain mill and an example of Dutch mill-building craftsmanship. Its design and classification as a grain mill make it a unique feature of Akersloot’s cultural heritage.

The history of the Hervormde Kerk Akersloot dates back to the 13th century. A new church building was constructed in the Waterstaatsstijl and put into use in 1837. The organ also tells a story of different stages: Abraham Meere built it in 1802; it was brought to Akersloot in 1877. In 1972, Flentrop Orgelbouw of Zaandam restored the instrument.

The Museumgemaal 1879 adds the history of water management to this story of buildings and churches. The monument shows visitors how water was once pumped out of polders. Anyone interested in the history of the landscape will find a tangible example here of how water was removed from the polder.

Getting there by bicycle

Akersloot does not have its own train station. From Castricum or Uitgeest stations, it takes about 20 minutes to reach Akersloot by bicycle. This travel time is an approximate guide and may vary depending on riding conditions. If you’re travelling by train, plan to continue by bicycle as part of your journey. This helps you factor the train connection into your stay alongside the walks, cycling routes and cultural heritage described here.

Discover more destinations: Castricum, Limmen, De Woude

Go to the main travel overview: Castricum.