Discover Aartswoud: Church, Polder and Trails

Aartswoud can be explored through several specific themes: the listed Kerk Aartswoud, traces from different centuries and paths through the surrounding countryside. When planning your trip, culture, a walking route or a glimpse of local events can offer different starting points.

Church and history

Kerk Aartswoud is recognised as a Rijksmonument (national heritage site) under monument number 31783. Inside is a richly carved gentlemen’s pew dating from 1641. It comes from the old church and is associated with the Soete van Laecken family. The church’s heritage status and this specific historic furnishing are distinct aspects of the building.

In 1998, the church was transferred to Stichting Kerk Aartswoud to preserve it as a cultural and community building. Every summer, an exhibition with a changing theme is held in the village church. Both the historic furnishings and the annual exhibition are among the village’s cultural attractions.

Archaeological traces reach back much further: the oldest finds at the site in Aartswoud date from the Late Middle Ages (1200–1335). They include an old well and ditch structures that may have been part of an early settlement. Remains of the “De Rode Leeuw” inn were also discovered; it may have welcomed travellers for more than six centuries.

Walking trails and the polder landscape

Two walking routes are described, including their length and course. The red route starts in Aartswoud, is 11 kilometres long and alternates between the Westfriese Omringdijk and the West Frisian countryside. The yellow route is 13.9 kilometres long; it passes through Aartswoud, Hoogwoud, Gouw and De Weere, following several quiet polder paths. The red route is shorter, while the yellow one takes in more named villages. Check the route before setting out, as details may change when the trail network is updated.

Nearby is the Weelpolder, an open polder landscape rich in water. Ditches run throughout the area, some with natural banks. Aartswoud lies east of the Weelpolder, and walking and cycling routes explore the landscape around the village. There are also canoe launch and landing points in Aartswoud.

Cattle breeds and events

The De Boet Oudejaarsdijkenloop is a running event held in Aartswoud, along the village’s fields, roads and dikes. It is organised by the A.G.S.V. football club. The Dijkenloop is described as a walking and running event held on New Year’s Eve. At Kerstsfeer 2026, visitors can enter barns, farmhouses and the homes of village residents and experience Christmas. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the exact date in advance.

Discover more destinations: De Weere, Opmeer, Hoogwoud.

Return to the main travel overview: Opmeer.