Koggenland: Village Paths, Mills and Water Landscapes

Windmills, village paths, polder landscapes and water shape the many sides of Koggenland. To help plan your trip, you can choose from routes through historic village centres, a section of a long-distance hiking trail, and experiences on the water. This lets you decide what to focus on during your stay: a walk, the history of mills, or nature and waterways.

Walking through villages and landscapes

A 3.7-kilometre walking route passes through Avenhorn and De Goorn, taking in several sights described in the route brochure. A green alternative route runs for 2.8 kilometres through the Buitenloof village forest and alongside other green spaces. The 2.0-kilometre Oud Obdam route passes through Obdam’s oldest village centre. The routes can be distinguished both by their length and by their character: local history, sights or green stretches.

For a longer walk, the Noord-Hollandpad is a long-distance hiking trail spanning 284 kilometres in total. It is divided into 16 stages, each 10 to 25 kilometres long. Stage 9 runs from Obdam to Schermerhorn along quiet country roads and unpaved church paths. Along the way, it passes straight waterways, winding ditches, marsh meadows and grassy dikes with numerous crossing points. The long-distance trail also passes lakes, dunes, historic villages, mills, pumping stations, dikes, hand-operated ferries and heathland.

Mills and farming history

Molen Weel en Braken dates from 1632. It is a wipmolen, a type of hollow-post mill, and a ground-sail windmill. In the past, it drained the 76-hectare Weel en Braken polder as a subsidiary polder of the Obdam polder. Its history links a specific structure with the former management of water in the polder landscape. The mill is generally open on Sundays when it is operating, and at other times by appointment. Check the visiting arrangements before you go.

In Zuidermeer, Museumboerderij De Anloup is housed in a West Frisian stolp farmstead. On display are clothing, tools and household items from earlier rural life. The focus here is on everyday objects, not just the history of the building. Visits are possible by appointment; arrange your visit in advance.

Experiencing nature and water

The 58-hectare De Hulk recreational area is divided into a section inside the dikes and one outside them. Ecological measures have been implemented along parts of the banks. In an area focused on nature development, you can see a diverse range of plant and animal life.

The Polder Westerkogge route also passes through open countryside and alongside various village centres. It is suitable for flat-bottomed boats, rowing boats and canoes. The water route can therefore be matched to the landscape and type of boat. If you would rather swim, De Leijen on Gemaalweg in Hensbroek is the only official swimming site in natural waters in Koggenland. Water quality can change seasonally; check current conditions before swimming.

A day out with children

Kinderparadijs Koggenland is aimed at families with children aged 0 to 12. The indoor play area covers almost 2,000 square metres; outside, there is a meadow, play equipment and space to play football. The facilities vary between indoors and outdoors, while the age range can help you plan. As the facilities may change, check which activities are currently available before your visit.

Whether you prefer a short walk through an old village centre, are considering a longer stage of the Noord-Hollandpad, or are planning an outing on the water, Koggenland offers different options for your trip. The specific route lengths help you compare the walking options; visits to mills and museums offer their own points of interest. When choosing a hotel, you can consider which of these experiences you want to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Berkhout, Ursem, Obdam, Zuidermeer, Avenhorn, Oudendijk, Scharwoude, Hensbroek, Spierdijk

Back to the main travel overview: North Holland.