In Ursem, village walks, architectural history and polder landscapes offer different ways to explore the area. Two circular routes have different focuses: the Urisheim Route leads through the village, while the Ursemmer Poldertocht follows the edges of the Ursem Polder. Churches, historic buildings and local traditions add cultural topics to this selection.
Village Character and Architectural History
Ursem’s two church silhouettes and the houses along the dike are visible from afar. The Hervormde Kerk was built in 1846–1847 to a design by water engineer E. de Kruyff. It is a typical example of a 19th-century Waterstaatskerk. Its construction dates and architectural classification give the building a distinct place in the village’s history.
The larger Roman Catholic church in Ursem dates from 1921 and was designed by A. J. Kropholler. The two churches’ histories can therefore be viewed through their markedly different construction periods. During a walk through Ursem, you can also discover a stolpboerderij at Noorddijkerweg 11. Its original structure dates from 1780—another historical connection tied to a specific place.
The church building in Ursem can be rented for cultural and ceremonial events, including exhibitions, concerts, funeral services and weddings. If you are planning to use the venue or visit, confirm the arrangements in advance.
Two Circular Routes, Two Landscape Settings
The Urisheim Route is a circular walk through the village of Ursem. It runs via De Leet to Kerkepad. If you would like to explore the village on foot, this route description focuses on the village and named sections of the route. The Ursemmer Poldertocht takes a different approach: it is also a circular route, but follows the edges of the Ursem Polder.
The difference between the routes lies in the landscape they are described as passing through: one goes through the village, while the other loops along the polder’s edge. No walking time or route length is given for either route, so choose according to your preferred focus rather than an assumed time saving. Check the local markers before setting out.
Polder Landscapes and Local Insights
The Ursemmerplas was formed from a former sand-extraction pit. This gives the lake a different history from that of the village’s churches or the paths along the polder’s edge.
The De Poldermeester farm shop also offers a glimpse into the agricultural surroundings. It sells products directly from farms in the Schermer Polder and the surrounding area. Which products are available may change.
The De Oersheimers’ carnival is part of local tradition: every year, the association revives the distinctive carnival spirit and celebrates a big festival together. Its founding meeting took place on October 12, 1971, at Café De Landbouw. The annual festival and this historical association background offer two different perspectives on the same tradition—the recurring event and its history as an association.
For centuries, Ursem served as a route for land and water transport between Alkmaar and Hoorn. This historical role adds a transport history connecting two cities and involving two modes of transport to the picture of the village. It belongs to Ursem’s past and is distinct from today’s choice between a village walk and a polder route.
Discover more destinations: Berkhout, Obdam, Spierdijk, Oudendijk, Scharwoude, Zuidermeer, Hensbroek, Avenhorn.
Back to the overview of destinations: Koggenland.
