Drechterland: Cycling routes, water and historic places

Drechterland combines views across the IJsselmeer with farmland and distinctive stolp farmhouses. The landscape therefore has two sides: open waterscapes and surroundings shaped by agriculture. Cycling and walking routes, water sports and historic buildings give your stay a range of possible focuses.

Cycling and walking routes through the landscape

There are cycling and walking routes in Drachterveld, between Oosterblokker and Westwoud. The area includes a 22-hectare water storage area, which also offers opportunities for walking, cycling and boating. Drachterveld also has a nesting wall for sand martins. If you want to plan your own cycling tour, you can use information boards or a cycle junction map in Drechterland: the cycle junction network is designed for planning individual routes.

One specific walking option is the NS walking route De Weelen. It starts at Hoogkarspel railway station, passes through the De Weelen nature reserve and ends in Enkhuizen. Check the route details before setting out. There is also a boating route in Drachterveld towards Bangert-Oosterpolder. So, alongside routes on land, there is also the option of a trip on the water.

A nature area beside Uiterdijk provides a habitat for waterbirds and meadow birds. Various bird species can be observed there throughout the year. This also makes the area interesting if you do not want to plan your stay solely around a cycling tour or boat trip.

Shorelines, harbour and swimming

Haven Wijdenes is a waterside rest stop along the Westfriese Omringdijk. It is a landmark for boating, walking and cycling. At the harbour of Wijdenes on the Markermeer, you can sunbathe, fish and moor; conditions at the harbour may vary. At Uiterdijk in Schellinkhout, swimming and surfing on the Markermeer take centre stage. As water conditions can vary, check local conditions before your visit.

If you want to include an outdoor swimming pool in your plans, Het Streekbad is in Hoogkarspel. Seasonal opening times and admission arrangements may change. Check these details before your visit so you can plan your day accordingly.

Stories and special places

Architectural history is also among the things to discover. The Hervormde Kerk in Oosterleek is a simple hall church, built around 1690 and extensively renovated in 1875. Schellinkhout’s town hall dates from 1765. Its old council chamber has tiled walls and murals from 1782. The town hall is currently used as a library, so access to the interior is limited.

De Stofmolen is a grain mill dating from 1911. It was restored in 2004 and 2005 and has been operational ever since. The interior can be visited by appointment when the mill is open to the public. Be sure to arrange your appointment and visit in advance.

A glimpse of everyday life

Stalls along the roads in Drechterland sell seasonal flowers, fruit and vegetables fresh from the land. Individual stalls may change. This local touch adds an everyday side of the region to excursions along its routes, waterways and historic places.

Discover more destinations: Schellinkhout, Venhuizen, Hem, Westwoud, Oosterleek, Hoogkarspel, Wijdenes, Uithoorn.

For the overview of the wider region: North Holland.