Waarland: Walking Routes, Mills and Leisure Activities

Waarland is a starting point for several signposted circular walks; waterways, mills and leisure activities also shape the character of the place. If you are looking for a hotel, the mix of exercise, scenery and culture you want may influence your choice of destination. Waarland offers a range of themes: footpaths through the village and polder, a named circular route on the water, and local evidence of water management.

Circular walks between the village and polder

The orange-marked Ommetje Schaapskuilmeer heads west through the polder along a farm track and past the Waertmolen, built in 1571. The green-marked Klein Rondje Waarland takes a different route: it passes through the old village and over a high footbridge—a so-called “kwakel”—across the Boomervaart. The route continues along the grassy bank of the Kanaal Alkmaar-Kolhorn; on the way back to the village, it follows the unpaved Waardkade on the canal’s south bank.

The two circular walks therefore differ in the landscape features that take centre stage along the way: the Ommetje features the polder, farm track and Waertmolen, while the Klein Rondje features a route through the village, a bridge and the canal bank. When choosing a walking loop, these features can help you decide whether you would prefer a route through the polder or one through the old village and along the canal.

Canoe route and boat rental

The Kanoroute Waarland, also known as Rondje Waarland, is a 12-kilometre circular route. If you plan to take this route, check water conditions and access rules in advance, as both can vary. A boat, sloop and canoe rental service in Waarland is based at a harbour at Waarddijk 1. From there, a tour takes you through various agricultural areas, villages and picturesque places. Different factors may matter when choosing: the canoe route has a clearly stated distance, while the tour from the harbour is characterised by the landscapes and places described.

Water landscape and mill history

Before the land was drained in 1575, Waarland consisted of low-lying islands, marshy reedlands—known as “Druiplanden”—and lakes. The history of the local landscape is therefore closely linked to the management of water. The Waarlandsmolen has an octagonal body built in 1532. It is considered very likely to be the oldest surviving polder mill in the Netherlands.

At the Molenhuijs, a permanent exhibition presents the centuries-long struggle against water, as well as the creation, purpose and necessity of polders. Together, the former water landscape, mill construction and exhibition form a thematic arc from the islands, reedlands and lakes to the history of the polders. If you are interested in water management and landscape history, this is a specific focus for your trip. The Waertmolen on the orange-marked circular walk and the Waarlandsmolen are two different mill names: one dates from 1571, while the octagonal body of the other was built in 1532.

Mini golf and butterfly garden

Indoor Adventure Minigolf offers 15 artificial-turf courses with changes in elevation and various obstacles. They are set in a covered tropical garden with koi ponds. The facility is open year-round, seven days a week: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00 and Sundays and public holidays from 11:00 to 17:00. Opening hours may change, so it is best to check them before your visit.

At Vlindertuin Vlindorado, butterflies of different species and sizes flutter among exotic flowers and plants. Activities for children include a free scavenger hunt, a wooden playhouse, a sandbox, stepping stones in the ponds and feeding the fish; mini golf is also available at Indoor Adventure Minigolf. Waarland thus combines nature watching with playful activities. The leisure attractions have different focuses: Vlindorado is all about butterflies, flowers and plants, while Indoor Adventure Minigolf features courses, changes in elevation and obstacles.

Discover more destinations: Schagen, Schagerbrug.

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