Bovenkarspel: Nature, stargazing and technological history

If you are looking for a hotel in Bovenkarspel, you can plan your stay around the themes that interest you. Streekbos offers several walking routes and a chance to explore the development of nature in the Ecoproject; at the Orion Public Observatory, the focus is on astronomy. Ceres Windmill has been in operation since 1848. This gives you specific differences between walking trails, the planetarium and the history of the windmill to consider when planning your trip.

Nature trails and wildlife watching in Streekbos

Streekbos has several walking routes along paths that are partly paved and partly unpaved. The Ecoproject is an area of Streekbos where the development of nature takes centre stage. Its walking route can be followed in any season; sturdy footwear is recommended during wet periods. This means you can use the general selection of walking trails and the Ecoproject route, which is explicitly accessible year-round, as distinct points of reference.

Ecological management in the Ecoproject encourages high biodiversity, with numerous plant species as well as butterflies, dragonflies, birds, hedgehogs and mice. The focus on nature development is reflected both in the management and in the variety of plant and animal groups mentioned. If you are particularly interested in these nature-related themes during a walk, you will find specific examples here.

Streekbos also has a fishing spot that is accessible to people with disabilities, as well as a launch and landing site for boats. There is a dog swimming area beside the car park on Weelenpad. The local rules for using it may change, so check them before your visit. The fishing spot, boat ramp and dog swimming area describe different options within the same named natural area, and do not need to be tied to a particular walking route.

Astronomy at Orion and on the Planet Path

The Orion Public Observatory in Bovenkarspel has an observatory. Various films are shown in the planetarium; you can also view the starry sky indoors there, regardless of the weather. This combines a programme of film screenings with a weather-independent way to experience the night sky, without requiring outdoor observation.

The Planet Path of the Orion Public Observatory runs for 3.1 kilometres past the planets of our solar system. It starts at the Streekbos Pavilion in Bovenkarspel, where the Sun marks the starting point. There is a short explanation at each planet. The precise length, starting point and information along the route therefore provide practical points of reference for your plans.

Orion also offers various lectures and presentations for groups, family outings and businesses. No specific dates are given for these. Instead, the offers can be distinguished by their intended audiences: they are aimed at groups, family outings and businesses. If you would like to include astronomy in your travel plans, you can choose between the planetarium, the Planet Path, and the lectures and presentations.

More activities and technological history

Klimpark Streekbos has four courses among the treetops, reaching heights of up to nine metres. The climbing park also has an 18-hole mini golf course. These are two different kinds of activities: the treetop courses and a round of mini golf.

At De Overhaal in Broekerhaven, visitors can see how barges were once moved between the polder and the harbour. The site is a working engineering structure and was restored in 1993. The focus here is on the former movement of the boats and the structure’s technical function. Ceres Windmill in Bovenkarspel has been in operation since 1848; the two structures therefore offer different points of interest for anyone interested in technology and history.

Dining at the Streekbos Pavilion

Restaurant IJgenweis at the Streekbos Pavilion offers an extensive dinner featuring regional produce. The menu may change, so check the latest menu details before your visit. This lets you include a restaurant offering regional produce in your plans without relying on particular dishes or their availability.

Discover more destinations: Lutjebroek.

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