Berkhout can be explored through several specific themes: the Berkhouter Kerk and its surroundings, historic farmhouses, and a boating network through the open countryside. Play and discovery opportunities, as well as a short children’s trail, are also among the offerings described.
Church, Organ and Remembrance
The Berkhouter Kerk underwent extensive restoration and refurbishment in 2012 and 2013; since 12 April 2013, it has been used as a cultural centre. Its features include a monumental Van Dam organ. It was commissioned in 1887 and put into use a year later. The restoration and the organ’s history give the church two distinct points of reference in time: a comprehensive renewal in the 21st century and an instrument from the late 19th century.
The war memorial at the Berkhouter Kerk bears the names of four English airmen and five residents who lost their lives as a result of the war. The memorial consists of an inset plaque made of black natural stone. The names and design make remembrance of the deceased a distinct aspect of the town’s history.
The described church complex also includes the baarhuisje at Kerkebuurt 172. The single-storey red-brick building was built around 1885. It has a gabled roof with black Dutch roof tiles and stepped corbels. The baarhuisje is of general significance from a cultural and architectural history perspective and is a key part of the described church complex.
Farms and Rural Architectural Styles
The Anna Hoeve comprises a house and a Stolp barn attached at the rear. Built in an eclectic style, the house dates from around 1875. The Anna Hoeve is considered a well-preserved example of late-19th-century rural architecture, of general architectural and cultural-historical significance. This ensemble therefore highlights both the connection between the house and the barn and the design of the house.
At Bobeldijk 22, the Stolphoeve dates from around 1850. Its features include a decorative wooden gable, pilasters with vases, and a round chimney with decorative brickwork. The Anna Hoeve and the Stolphoeve have different distinguishing features: at the former, the house and rear barn define the ensemble; at the latter, the decorative architectural details are particularly striking.
Troostwijk is a house built around 1875 as a retirement home, on the south side of Westeinde. Its ridge line runs parallel to the street. Together with its associated gateposts, Troostwijk is considered a largely well-preserved example of rural architecture from the last quarter of the 19th century and is significant from a cultural and architectural history perspective. Details about its function, location and ridge orientation add specific features of the building to its architectural classification.
Boating Routes and Outdoor Activities
An extensive boating network in Koggenland has been in place since the early 1980s. It runs along Berkhout and through the open countryside of the Westerkogge. The network is suitable for flat-bottomed boats, rowing boats and canoes. This means that possible excursions differ not only in the landscapes they pass through, but also in the type of boat they are designed for.
The De Buitenholle nature playground in Berkhout offers play and discovery opportunities for young and old, including playing and splashing in water and sand. As the facilities may change, it is advisable to check the current play options before visiting.
The Kabouterpad in De Hulk, between Berkhout and Scharwoude, officially opened on 2 March 2022. The trail is 2.2 kilometres long, runs through the park and for a stretch through Scharwoude, and is suitable for children from around three years old. Check accessibility before planning a specific visit. Compared with the boating network, the set distance and approximate age guidance here provide a different basis for planning an excursion.
Discover more destinations: Ursem, Spierdijk, Hensbroek, Scharwoude, Oudendijk, Avenhorn, Zuidermeer, Obdam.
Return to the main travel overview: Koggenland.
