Discover Zuid-Scharwoude

When you visit Zuid-Scharwoude, discover local history, waterscapes and local experiences. The Kooger Kerk dates back to the 12th century; the creation of the Rijk der Duizend Eilanden tells the story of how a former marshland was transformed into a fertile island region. There is also a 12-kilometre circular route, a water route opened in 2024, and wine and food culture. This gives you options for planning your trip around architectural history, routes, regional food history or encounters with animals.

Local History and Culture

The Kooger Kerk in Zuid-Scharwoude was originally built in the 12th century under the name Pieterkerk. It is a historic monument and is used for concerts, exhibitions and private celebrations. De Roode Leeuw is a village café in Zuid-Scharwoude where you can have a meal and enjoy a sociable evening.

The Rijk der Duizend Eilanden

The former marshland of Zuid-Scharwoude was transformed into the fertile island region known as the “Rijk der Duizend Eilanden” by digging shipping canals and raising the fields with the excavated mud. The canals and raised fields were two elements of the same transformation: the canals were used for shipping, while the mud became material for higher-lying fields. The origins of the island region therefore describe a deliberately shaped landscape, not simply a collection of islands. The agricultural history of the wider area is also part of the story: in the surrounding Geestmerambacht polder, mainly cabbage was grown on numerous small islands.

Water Route and Circular Walk

The new water route opened on 24 April 2024 and runs from the Bomenbuurt in Zuid-Scharwoude towards Nieuwe Veiling in Noord-Scharwoude. The Bruggetjeswandeling in the former Langedijk is 12 kilometres long and starts and ends at De Binding in Zuid-Scharwoude. If you want to compare routes by distance, the Bruggetjeswandeling gives you a specific length; for the water route, you can follow its direction from the Bomenbuurt towards Nieuwe Veiling.

Wine and Food History

A vineyard was established at the former island site of De Koen in the Rijk der Duizend Eilanden, where workshops and tastings are held. At the High Wine at Wijndomein De Koen, three glasses of wine are served, each with a matching snack.

The history of G. Kramer & Zonen in Zuid-Scharwoude dates back to Gert Kramer’s work preserving white cabbage in a shed behind his house in 1890. The Kramer family has been making sauerkraut for four generations. The vineyard and tastings, on the one hand, and the history of cabbage processing, on the other, represent different aspects of local food culture.

Animal Encounters

At the De Beestenboel children’s farm, visitors can enter the enclosures with the sheep, goats and horses and pet the animals. The farm also has a dedicated petting enclosure for rabbits.

Discover more destinations: Sint Pancras, Noord-Scharwoude, Oudkarspel, Broek Op Langedijk

Go to the main travel overview: Langedijk.