Opmeer: Paths, Polder Mills and Regional Culture

Opmeer offers opportunities to explore the landscape on foot, by bike or on the water. Options range from a walking route starting in Aartswoud and rural cycling routes to historic mills and cultural programmes. The local history of Aartswoud also points to an earlier landscape: before the Wieringermeer was created, the village was located directly on the Zuiderzee.

Exploring on Foot and by Bike

The orange Koningspadroute starts at the Aartswoud starting point, is 6.18 kilometres long and partly follows unpaved paths. If you are planning a longer cycle, consider the 27-kilometre Doortraproute Opmeer. It follows rural routes through villages and nature in the municipality of Opmeer. Check the path conditions before setting out, especially with regard to the unpaved sections of the walking route.

The Bedijkte Boezem area lies along the Doortraproute. When water levels are low, it attracts many birds; bird activity varies by season. Another cycling route, Tussen Hoorn en Heerhugowaard, passes through polder landscapes by De Kaagmolen and the De Westerveer polder mill. A walking route starting near De Weijver also passes the Rijksmonument Wipbrug and the De Vier Winden polder mill.

History and Rural Heritage

In Aartswoud, the Rundveemuseum Aat Grootes preserves endangered old Dutch cattle breeds through purebred breeding. The educational centre focuses on cattle breeds, dairy farming and rural life. Guided tours for groups of six or more are available by appointment—so plan this visit in advance with your group.

The buildings also tell stories of different eras. The Hervormde Kerk in Hoogwoud was rebuilt in 1680 on the site of a Gothic church. The octagonal structure of Molen Lastdrager in Hoogwoud dates from 1522; it is probably the oldest octagonal mill building in the Netherlands. The Willemshoeve in Hoogwoud is a Rijksmonument in the form of a large stolp farmhouse complex. ’t Kerkhuys dates from the 12th century, and its church bell bears an inscription referring to Boniface, dated 1519.

The Wipbrug in Spanbroek is a surviving example of the historic drawbridges found in the West Frisian landscape and was first built in 1591. Ons Buitenverblijf displays old carts and wagons, agricultural machinery and equipment; some items are more than 100 years old. The Museumboerderij West Frisia is housed in a farmhouse built in 1857.

Waterways and Rural Activities

The De Wijzend visitor marina in Spanbroek has a boat-trailer ramp, mooring jetties, motorhome pitches and a car park. From there, boats can reach the connected waterways in Noord-Holland via the Ringvaart van Heerhugowaard. When renting from Botenverhuur Opmeer, visitors receive a map showing suitable routes.

Canoeing is another option: the canoe rental at De Gouw campsite provides access to the West Frisian network of waterways. Medemblik can be reached from there without carrying the canoe around any obstacles. Check route conditions and rental availability before setting out.

Farmsurvival in Spanbroek runs farm games for family and group outings at a dairy farm; participation is arranged through the provider. Stal Hoogwoud teaches recreational and sport-oriented riders the basics of riding skills and horse care.

Gardens and Cultural Programme

The display garden at Rosarium De Rozenhof features around 140 rose varieties and is open daily from 1 June until the end of November. If you plan to visit during this seasonal period, check the current visitor information. At Kaasboerderij Berkhout, visitors can walk around the farm and see cows and calves.

The Theaterkerk Wadway offers music, theatre, cabaret and special stage performances; its programme may change. Pardoes is a cultural venue for people in and around the municipality of Opmeer. Events are organised there almost every weekend, including dance events, live band performances and teen discos. Check the venue’s current calendar for a specific evening.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Opmeer, Aartswoud, Hoogwoud, De Weere, Beemster, Zijpe, Wormerland, Uithoorn.

For the main travel overview: North Holland.