Discover Zuiderwoude

Zuiderwoude combines a designated protected village character with historic buildings and opportunities to explore the village on foot. A cycling route through Waterland-Oost and a guided boat trip through Waterland offer further perspectives on the landscape. If you are planning a stay in Zuiderwoude, you might first consider whether you are mainly interested in discovering the village and its history, or whether paths and scenery will play a bigger role in your trip. The features below can help you decide which interests to focus on.

Protected Village Character and Building History

Zuiderwoude is considered the oldest village in Waterland. This description and its status as a designated protected village character highlight two different aspects: one places the village within Waterland, while the other relates to its appearance. If you are interested in Zuiderwoude’s history, this gives you a connection both to the region and to the village’s protected character.

The Hervormde Kerk Zuiderwoude was built in 1877 and is a Rijksmonument, a listed monument. Its year of construction provides a clear point of reference; its Rijksmonument status adds the church’s designation as a monument. Historic farms are also among Zuiderwoude’s architectural features. Some are large buildings with a pyramid-shaped design. This gives you two specific starting points for exploring the architecture: a dated church designated as a Rijksmonument, and the distinctive form of large historic farm buildings. The date and building style are different details that make the village more tangible for visitors interested in cultural history.

Explore the Village on Foot

You can explore Zuiderwoude on foot by walking along the dike, which also forms the village’s main street. Here, the dike and main street are one and the same landmark. This makes for an easy-to-follow walk and gives you a clear point of reference when visiting the village.

The Aandammerroute and Buitenweerenroute are also easy to follow using the green village-name signs along the water. Both routes share the same signage for navigation; their different names help you clearly identify your chosen route when planning.

Nature and Scenery in Waterland

In the direction of Broek in Waterland, there is a birdwatching hide just beyond the bridge. If you plan to visit this spot, check its accessibility in advance.

The Aeën en Dieënroute is a cycling route through Waterland-Oost. It passes through an open peat meadow landscape with ribbon villages, meadow birds, and the Markermeer. The focus here is on the landscape and the natural and village features mentioned. If you plan to take the cycle route, check the latest route conditions in advance, as they may change.

Experience Waterland from the Water

Staatsbosbeheer offers a guided boat trip through Waterland. It passes through a landscape rich in water and peat, with islands and reed beds. Unlike a walk or cycling route, this experience focuses on the landscape as seen from the water. If you would like to include the tour in your trip, check its current availability in advance.

More Destinations

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

For the main travel overview: Waterland.