Driehuizen lies between the open polderland and the water-rich Eilandspolder area. The protected Eilandspolder covers 1,950 hectares, a quarter of which is water. Driehuizen also lies on the boundary between Polder L and the Eilandspolder on Schermereiland. This gives the landscape two distinct aspects: open polder fields and a water-rich protected area. If you choose Driehuizen, you can shape your stay around the landscape, local history and routes, rather than focusing on just one destination.

Birdlife in the Polderland

The Eilandspolder is also a habitat for meadow birds such as black-tailed godwits, lapwings and oystercatchers, as well as rare marsh birds such as bitterns and reed warblers. Spoonbills can also be spotted there in spring. For nature enthusiasts, this provides a specific seasonal point of reference; the diversity of species adds a distinct landscape perspective to the theme of water. The proportion of water and the bird groups thus offer two ways of looking at the Eilandspolder: its land structure and the species found there.

Local history and water management

Driehuizen was established around 1600 on the edge of Schermereiland and the former Schermeer, now called the Schermer Ring Canal. De Wester was probably built as early as 1625; a few years later, between 1633 and 1635, the area was drained more effectively through the construction of mills. The village landscape includes winding dikes, polders, mills and authentic stolp farmhouses. This chronology shows the connection between the development of the village and water management; the local dikes and farmhouses add the built landscape to the story.

Walks and routes

Walks in Driehuizen pass through quiet streets and by listed buildings. Several signposted circular walking routes on the Laag-Holland Walking Network start here. If you want to explore the character of the village, you can follow the walks; Driehuizen is also a starting point for a signposted circular walk. The 47-kilometre Leeghwater Route runs through Driehuizen, across dikes, alongside canals and through polder villages. It offers a different perspective from a walk in the village: not just streets and historic buildings, but a route through several types of landscape. The Haring- en Hennep cycling route also runs through Driehuizen; various text and image panels provide historical information.

Explore the Eilandspolder by water

There is a guided activity on the water: Landschap Noord-Holland regularly organises boat trips through the Eilandspolder that start in Driehuizen. If you plan to take one of these trips, check the booking calendar before travelling. The Eilandspolder Route starts and ends at Driehuizen 13, 1844 KL Driehuizen. De Vriendschap in Driehuizen is listed as a rental location for this route; check the operating details before planning to use it. These two notes address different planning questions: for the guided trip, check the booking calendar; for the Eilandspolder Route, the start and end points are specified.

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