Oudendijk: Village History and Culture

Oudendijk combines a local history shaped by water management with culture, architecture and paths through the polder. Different priorities may therefore matter for your trip: the development of the village, interactive theater, or a tour on foot or by bike. If you are looking for a hotel in Oudendijk, you can first consider which of these aspects of the village suits your stay.

Dike Building and Village Development

Oudendijk developed along a dike that was built up in the 12th century to hold back the advancing waters of the Beemster. Later, this dike formed the southern part of the Westfriese Omringdijk. A ditch ran south of the dike and was widened in the early 17th century to become the Beemsteruitwatering. This change led to the development of a one-sided ribbon village. Two aspects stand side by side in this sequence: the dike as the starting point for the village, and the later widening of the ditch in connection with its settlement pattern. Those interested in local history can view Oudendijk as the result of several stages of water-management works.

Church and Villagescape

Oudendijk’s currently recognizable villagescape includes seven distinctive white bridges. The Hervormde Kerk at Dorpsweg 24 provides an architectural counterpoint: it has a single nave, a five-sided chancel and a roof turret on the west side. A single-nave building has one main nave; the chancel forms the end of the choir, in this case with five sides. A roof turret is a tower-like structure on the roof. These terms help to identify the church’s architectural form more precisely.

Interactive Theater

The Watertheater Oudendijk adds a different cultural dimension. The Stichting Watertheater Oudendijk organizes interactive, site-specific theater productions in and around the North Holland village of Oudendijk. Visitors often take their seats in traditional flat-bottomed boats during the productions; the format may vary from one production to another. So if you are interested in a performance, it is worth checking the specific production rather than assuming that all performances follow the same format.

Paths and Running Event

There are two named routes for a trip on foot or by bike. The Oudendijk-Grosthuizen cycling and walking path has been completed. The Buutschooterpad runs through the Beschoot polder from Oudendijk to Grosthuizen. The names highlight different aspects: the Oudendijk-Grosthuizen route focuses on cycling and walking, while the Buutschooterpad is defined by its route through the Beschoot polder.

The Beetskoogkadeloop, also called the Polderloop, is a running event that takes place through the polder. The 6- and 10-kilometer distances offer two different route lengths to choose from. If you would like to include the race in your travel plans, check dates and details with the local organizer.

First decide which priority matters most for your stay, then look for a hotel in Oudendijk that suits your travel dates.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Koggenland.