De Woude: Island Nature, Trails and Village History

De Woude is an island in the Alkmaardermeer. These highlights give you a concrete basis for assessing the destination according to your plans.

Ferry Access and Island History

The island was formed around 1800 after the Markervaart was dug. Today, De Woude can only be reached by ferry. Check the timetable before your trip and include the crossing in your plans. The island’s historic origins and the way to reach it today belong to different periods: the Markervaart represents the island’s formation, while the ferry provides access during your trip. Near the village lies De Woudhaven, a leisure marina on the eastern side of the Alkmaardermeer.

Walking Trails and Their Destinations

The Oost- en Westwouderpolderroute is a circular walking trail on De Woude, 5–7 km long. The distance is given as a range, so it serves as a guide rather than a single exact route length. The Saskerleidijk Woudhaven walking trail leads from the first section of the dike to the Saskerlei. This gives you two different options: a circular route with a distance range, or a trail with the Saskerlei as its named destination. You can choose your walk based on whether you prefer a circular route with a stated distance or a specific destination.

Nature at the Saskerlei and on the Lake

The Saskerlei is the destination of the Saskerleidijk Woudhaven walking trail. It has a small beach, and its reed beds provide a refuge for many birds and geese, among other wildlife. De Woude also has a nature reserve with some rare meadow birds. These details point to different aspects of nature: the reed beds, birds and geese at the Saskerlei, and the meadow birds in the nature reserve. The Alkmaardermeer surrounding De Woude is ideal for sailing. Nature and walking are therefore distinct interests alongside an activity on the water.

Village History and Protected Buildings

De Woude’s village scene includes wooden Zaanse houses. The Kemphaan is a faithful replica of De Woude’s original wooden church. The original church dates from 1838; today, the Kemphaan is used as a village hall for social and cultural activities. The year 1838 refers to the historical original, while the Kemphaan is the replica and serves as a village hall today. At Woude 1, the lock and drawbridge are a municipal monument dating from 1887. Het Dampje is a protected watercourse in the Westwouderpolder, northwest of De Woude. The dates refer to different historical features: 1838 belongs to the original church, and 1887 to the lock and drawbridge. Cultural interests therefore range from the village scene and church history to buildings and waterways.

Discover more destinations: Akersloot, Castricum, Limmen.

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