Watergang: Waterways, Village History and Nature

Explore Watergang in different ways: on foot, by bicycle, canoe, rowing boat, or small motorboat. The village combines distinctive architectural styles with waterways and the natural landscape of Varkensland. If you are planning a stay, the different routes and sights will give you a clear idea of what interests you—village history, a trip on the water, or nature watching.

Explore Watergang on Foot, by Bike, or on the Water

The ways you can visit Watergang differ considerably. On foot or by bicycle, you can discover the village from land; a canoe, rowing boat, or small motorboat offers a view of the waterways. If you go out on the water, bear two local conditions in mind: the bridges in Watergang are low, and the water is shallow. Take both into account when planning a boat trip.

One independent way to explore the area is the free, self-guided Ilpendam & Watergang audio tour. It includes eleven stops. When you reach a stop, an audio story plays automatically. This means the tour provides a narrative at several points along the way, without requiring you to arrange a guided tour.

Routes and Nature in Varkensland

Varkensland, also known as Watergangse veld, is part of the Ilperveld, Varkensland, Oostzanerveld & Twiske Natura 2000 site. Special meadow birds breed in the area. Its plant life includes peat-moss marshes with wild orchids and other plants. The combination of nesting birds and marshes makes Varkensland appealing to travelers who want to spend time on more than just a village’s streets and buildings.

Two routes offer different experiences. The Laarzenpadroute runs from Broek in Waterland along the Broekervaart through the Varkensland nature reserve. The Rondom Watergangroute is a cycling route around the old boating village of Watergang. It passes through Ilperveld and Het Twiske, as well as along the Gouwzee. This route uses a ferry twice. Factor in the crossings when planning, and check the schedules in advance. Seasonal restrictions on routes in the region may change, so check the current situation before your visit.

The routes can help you decide what kind of outing you are looking for: the Rondom Watergangroute is specifically a cycling route with two ferry crossings; the Laarzenpadroute passes through Varkensland and along the Broekervaart. Different specific features are described here for each route, so you can choose based on whether you prefer a cycling trip or the route through the nature reserve.

Village History and Distinctive Architecture

The village itself also has some distinctive details. Black, tarred hay barns are a defining feature of Watergang, and the village has the narrowest village street in the Netherlands. You can appreciate the character these two features give the place as you look along the village street and at the buildings.

Watergang’s Reformed Church is at Dorpsstraat 37. The building dates from 1642, has a five-sided apse, and features Gothic forms. Its façade dates from the 19th century; the building also has a small wooden tower. The Hooihuis at Dorpsstraat 42, dating from 1881, stands on the same street. The different architectural styles and dates offer insight into several historical periods in the village without grouping the buildings into a single era.

When you visit Watergang, you can focus on what interests you: the village’s architecture, the audio tour with its eleven stops, or one of the routes described here. If you take a boat trip, remember the low bridges and shallow water; the Rondom Watergang cycling route also involves two ferry crossings. These specific differences can help you plan a stay that suits you.

Discover more destinations: Marken, Broek In Waterland, Zuiderwoude, Uitdam, Monnickendam, Ilpendam, Katwoude, Purmer.

For the broader travel overview: Waterland.