Explore the Polders on Foot and by Bike
The orange Koningspadroute starts at the Aartswoud trailhead, is 6.18 kilometres long and runs partly along unpaved paths. Check the trail conditions before setting out. The history of the area also offers a distinct perspective on the landscape: before the Wieringermeer was created, Aartswoud lay directly on the Zuiderzee.
For a longer cycling route, the 27-kilometre Doortraproute Opmeer contrasts with the shorter Koningspadroute. It passes through villages and countryside in the municipality of Opmeer. Along the Doortraproute is the Bedijkte Boezem area, where low water levels attract many birds seasonally. The route thus combines a specific distance with a nature experience whose appeal changes with the seasons.
Another cycling route, Tussen Hoorn en Heerhugowaard, crosses polder landscape, passes De Kaagmolen and goes by De Westerveer, a polder mill. De Kaagmolen is an octagonal inland polder mill of the binnenkruier type, dating from 1654. It cannot be viewed from the inside; check the current access arrangements before visiting. A walking route from the De Weijver trailhead passes the Rijksmonument Wipbrug and the De Vier Winden polder mill.
Windmills, Bridges and Architectural History
In Hoogwoud, the Hervormde Kerk bears witness to several building phases: it was rebuilt in 1680 on the site of a Gothic church. Also there is the Willemshoeve, a Rijksmonument in the form of a large stolp farmhouse. Molen Lastdrager adds to this historical perspective: its octagonal structure dates from 1522 and is probably the oldest octagonal mill building in the Netherlands.
The Wipbrug in Spanbroek is a surviving example of the historic seesaw bridges found across the West Frisian landscape; it was first built in 1591. At ’t Kerkhuys, the building history dates back to the 12th century. The church bell bears an inscription referring to Boniface, dated 1519. These varied dates show that the area’s history is not confined to a single building or century.
Agriculture and Rural Life
The Rundveemuseum Aat Grootes in Aartswoud preserves endangered old Dutch cattle breeds through purebred breeding. Its associated education centre focuses on old breeds, dairy farming and rural life. Guided tours are available by appointment for groups of six or more. If you plan to take advantage of this, arrange your visit in advance.
Other collections have different focuses: the Museumboerderij West Frisia is housed in a farmhouse built in 1857. Ons Buitenverblijf in Hoogwoud displays old carts and wagons as well as agricultural machinery and equipment; some objects are more than 100 years old. At Kaasboerderij Berkhout, visitors can walk around the farm and see cows and calves. Confirm the visiting arrangements before you arrive.
For group activities, Farmsurvival in Spanbroek offers farm games at a dairy farm for family and group outings; arrange participation through the provider. Stal Hoogwoud teaches recreational and sport-focused riders the basics of riding skills and horse care. Confirm participation directly with the centre.
Waterways and Seasonal Activities
The Passantenvoorziening De Wijzend in Spanbroek has a boat-trailer ramp, mooring jetties, motorhome pitches and a car park. From there, boats can reach the connected waterways in Noord-Holland via the Ringvaart van Heerhugowaard. Visitors who hire a boat from Botenverhuur Opmeer receive a map showing suitable routes; confirm rental options before your trip.
At the De Gouw campsite, a canoe hire service provides access to the West Frisian network of navigable waterways. Medemblik can be reached from there without carrying the canoe overland. Check route conditions and canoe availability before your trip. The main difference between the water activities is how you get started: a boat-trailer ramp and mooring jetties at De Wijzend, or canoe trips from De Gouw.
Zwembad ’t Woudmeer had a children’s playground, a sandpit with play equipment and a water table. The large playing field has a football cage, table tennis tables and a volleyball net; confirm the facilities before your visit. The 2026 season ran from 3 May to 13 September. For later visits, check the dates of upcoming seasons. Rosarium De Rozenhof is open daily from 1 June until the end of November. Its display garden contains about 140 varieties of roses; check the visiting conditions before you arrive.
Stage and Cultural Programme
Pardoes is a cultural venue for people in and around the municipality of Opmeer. Events are held there almost every weekend, including dance events, live band performances and teen discos. As the programme may change, it is worth checking the current events calendar. Theaterkerk Wadway offers music, theatre, cabaret and special stage performances; check the programme with the venue before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Opmeer, Aartswoud, Hoogwoud, De Weere, Amstelveen, Loenen, Huizen, Enkhuizen.
Return to the regional travel overview: North Holland.
