Circular routes through village parks, paths into the open countryside and the church “De Groene Toren” reveal different sides of Avenhorn. If you are looking for a hotel in Avenhorn, you can start planning by considering whether village greenery, landscape or local history should shape your stay. The routes described differ in their paths and connections to the landscape; they also offer insights into the history of the church, peat soil and former boundaries.

Paths through Avenhorn and out into the countryside

The blue route is 6.8 kilometres long and runs through the centres of Avenhorn and De Goorn. If you would prefer a circular route, you can follow the “Ommetje Avenhorn”, which passes through the village’s parks and green spaces. The “Uilenhoekroute” walking route offers a different perspective on the landscape, crossing the Mijzenpolder and the northern tip of the Beemster. The routes therefore differ not only in their paths, but also in whether village areas or open countryside take centre stage.

Walking paths lead directly into the open countryside from Avenhorn-De Goorn. This lets you weigh up a path through the village centres or parks against an excursion into the wider landscape, without treating the routes as one continuous trail. Before setting out, check the signs and current route conditions, as local signage and conditions can change.

Mijzenpolder and meadow birds

The Mijzenpolder is an unspoilt peat meadow polder between the Westfriese Omringdijk and the Beemster and Schermer polders. A walking route passes through this area. There are many meadow birds here during the breeding season, giving the natural setting a distinct seasonal character. If meadow birds are of particular interest to you, you can take this period into account when planning your trip.

The Mijzenpolder and the paths through the village parks offer different landscape impressions: a peat meadow polder with meadow birds during the breeding season on the one hand, and green spaces within the village on the other. The paths from Avenhorn-De Goorn into the open countryside offer another way to tailor your stay to your preferred focus.

The church and the history of the landscape

The church “De Groene Toren” was built in 1642; its tower was rebuilt in 1914. These dates refer to different phases of construction. The church’s location is also linked to the history of the land: it appears to stand on a terp, or artificial dwelling mound. The thick layer of peat around the settlement was removed and used as fuel, causing the surrounding land to sink. The church’s construction and the transformation of the landscape through peat extraction are thus two distinct, yet equally vivid, aspects of local history.

Another historical landmark is the boundary post between Avenhorn and Ursem. It marks the former boundary of the jurisdiction of the city of Hoorn, recalling an earlier legal division of the area. The former agricultural and horticultural auction house is also part of local history: it was once accessible by boat, and only the quay remains.

Boat ramp at Oost-Mijzen

The boat ramp at Oost-Mijzen is just outside the built-up area of Avenhorn, near Oost-Mijzen 4B, Avenhorn. If you plan to use the ramp, check local conditions before your visit. Together with the historical references to the former auction house, it adds another specific connection to the water to the paths and the history of the church and landscape.

Discover more destinations: Spierdijk, Scharwoude, Obdam, Berkhout, Oudendijk, Zuidermeer, Ursem, Hensbroek.

For the main travel guide: Koggenland.