Discover Noorden: Water, Nature and Village History

Noorden combines waterways and fen landscape with historic buildings and traces of former livelihoods. The various activities and places each have their own conditions and connections.

Water landscape and canoe routes

A red route leads from Noorden to the Nieuwkoopse Plassen. This extensive fen area is important for purple herons, bog orchids and Nordic voles. The route’s name thus reflects a landscape that is important for both animal and plant species.

A red canoe route to the Nieuwkoopse Plassen starts at Nikano in Noorden. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and electric boats at Nikano. Nikano also offers SUP lessons. If you are planning a specific water activity, check current availability in advance.

Ferry and walking routes

In summer, the Zonneveer operates a ferry for cyclists and pedestrians between Noorden village centre and the Hollandsekade near De Meije. The schedule is seasonal; check the times if you want to include the crossing in your plans.

The Groene Jonker – Kromme Mijdrecht – Noorden walking route passes through Noorden, Groene Jonker, Kromme Mijdrecht and Noordse Dorp. The footpath through Ruygeborg is accessible outside the breeding season. As seasonal access rules may change, check the latest information before your visit.

The timing therefore depends on different seasonal factors: the ferry operates in summer, while access to the footpath through Ruygeborg depends on the breeding season. Take both conditions into account for your planned activity.

Historic buildings and village history

Several buildings in Noorden are designated as monuments, but differ in their possible use and dating. Simon van Capelweg 28/30 is a national monument and may be a 17th-century fisherman’s house or farmhouse. This classification remains an either-or: these are not two separately named buildings.

Voorweg 5 is also a national monument and a farmhouse dating from the early 19th century. Voorweg 38, by contrast, is a municipal monument; the building was a farmhouse or blacksmith’s forge dating from around 1800 to 1830. These three descriptions show different historic building types and periods that can be compared when exploring the area’s history.

The Sint-Martinuskerk is also part of the village’s history: Noorden received its neo-Gothic church in 1883. Earlier livelihoods offer another historical perspective. Until 1911, residents made their living by cutting reeds, cutting peat and doing similar work. Together with the fen landscape, this look back helps explain the connection between the landscape and people’s livelihoods.

The waterways, seasonal conditions and different historical classifications offer practical information for planning your trip. You can decide whether to focus your stay on a water activity, a walk or the history of the village.

Discover more destinations: Woerdense Verlaat, Nieuwkoop, Nieuwveen, Ter Aar, Zevenhoven

Back to the main travel overview: Nieuwkoop.