Ursem: Churches, Windmill and Circular Routes

Get to know Ursem through its buildings and paths: churches and a windmill tell the story of the village, while circular routes lead through the village or along the polder. From a distance, the village’s skyline is recognisable by the silhouettes of its two churches and the houses on the dike. If you are planning a stay, you can focus on these different aspects of the place.

Churches and Windmill: Building History in Ursem

The Hervormde Kerk in Ursem was built in 1846–1847 to a design by hydraulic engineer E. de Kruyff. It is considered a typical example of a 19th-century Waterstaatskerk. This building therefore combines a specific construction period with an architectural classification. The larger Roman Catholic church, the Sint Bavokerk, dates from 1921 and was designed by A. J. Kropholler. Together, the churches offer two different construction dates as reference points for exploring Ursem’s architecture.

A church building in Ursem can be rented for cultural and ceremonial purposes, including exhibitions, concerts, memorial services and weddings. Arrange the details before your visit.

Ondermolen O also tells a story of several historical stages. The octagonal internal-winder windmill was built in late 1633 or early 1634. In 1652, it was moved to its present location so that it could serve there as a lower windmill. Its construction and relocation therefore belong to different stages of its history: the first marks its construction, while the second marks its later location and function.

Another historic building can be discovered on a walk through Ursem: a stolp farmhouse at Noorddijkerweg 11, whose original structure dates from 1780. The churches, windmill and farmhouse each provide their own point of reference if you are interested in the village’s architectural history.

Two Circular Routes, Different Courses

The Urisheimroute is a circular route through the village of Ursem. It runs via De Leet to Kerkepad. By contrast, the Ursemmer Poldertocht is a circular route along the edges of the Ursem polder. You can distinguish the two routes by their courses: one goes through the village, while the other follows the edge of the polder. Check the local signs along the way.

Ursemmerplas has a different landscape origin: it was formed from a former sand excavation pit. This adds another facet of the local landscape to the view of the polder and its paths. Land and water transport between Alkmaar and Hoorn also played a role in Ursem’s history for centuries. This transport function is part of the village’s historical development.

Community Life and Local Products

The De Oersheimers carnival association brings the unique carnival spirit to life each year and celebrates a major festival together. Its founding meeting took place on 12 October 1971 at Café De Landbouw; the association is still active. The annual celebration and this date offer different insights into the association’s history, combining a recurring tradition with a specific historical starting point.

For a look at regional produce, the De Poldermeester farm shop in Ursem offers products straight from the land in the Schermerpolder and the surrounding area. The available selection may change. Together, the historic buildings, different circular routes, and community and rural life provide several themes around which you can plan your stay in Ursem.

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

For the regional travel overview: Koggenland.