Grootschermer: Town Hall, Windmill and Eilandspolder

Grootschermer combines historic buildings with a centuries-old local tradition, art by Nic Jonk and the Eilandspolder nature reserve. The village’s history can be seen at the town hall and in a detail of the village church; the Menningweermolen windmill reflects the history of water management. There is also the sculpture garden and routes through the polder. This gives you a choice of different themes for your trip: architectural and local history, art, or a specific walking or cycling route.

Town Hall, village church and local tradition

Grootschermer Town Hall is a national monument dating from 1639. At the rear is the former courthouse of Noordschermer, dating from 1652. The dates refer to different historical parts: 1639 for the town hall and 1652 for the former courthouse.

On weekends from May to September, the town hall is open for information about the village, a small exhibition or a guided tour of the building. If the town hall is part of your travel plans, check the specific dates in advance. Access is seasonal and limited to weekends during this period.

The clock on the tower of Grootschermer village church also has a distinctive feature: its eastern dial is larger than the western one, so that the time could be seen from the Eilandspolder. Alongside its buildings, the village’s history also includes the game of knikkers for adults. This centuries-old tradition in Grootschermer adds a customary local practice to the historical picture.

Menningweermolen and Eilandspolder

Menningweermolen is an octagonal windmill built in 1888, with an internal cap-turning mechanism. Since 1985, it has been able to drain the Eilandspolder. Its design, technical classification and function describe different aspects of the same structure: the octagonal shape shows its form, while drainage describes its role in the polder.

The Eilandspolder is a protected nature reserve covering 1,950 hectares; one quarter of its area is water. It lies between historic villages, including Grootschermer. This location gives the village a direct connection to the polder, which has both walking and cycling routes.

Walking routes of 6 or 9.5 kilometres are available. The difference is 3.5 kilometres, giving you a clear choice between the two walking distances. Landschap Noord-Holland also offers a 14-kilometre cycling route through the Eilandspolder. The walking and cycling options differ both in mode of travel and in the stated distance. Check the route information before setting out, as details may be updated.

Nic Jonk Sculpture Garden

The sculpture garden in Grootschermer features 30 bronze sculptures by Nic Jonk. The artist founded his own museum and sculpture garden in Grootschermer in 1965. The works and the history of the site can therefore be considered two related aspects of its artistic character. For a trip focused on art, the garden offers a distinct point of interest alongside the historic buildings and the history of the windmill.

Discover more destinations: Oterleek, Zuidschermer.

For the broader travel overview: Schermer.