Waarland is the starting point for several marked circular walks in the Kop van Noord-Holland walking trail network. The landscape also tells the story of its transformation: before the land was drained in 1575, Waarland consisted of low-lying islands, marshy reedlands known as “Druiplanden”, and lakes. Circular walks, a polder mill and an exhibition explore different aspects of the area’s history and surroundings.
Comparing the marked circular walks
The orange-marked Ommetje Schaapskuilmeer circular walk heads west through the polder and along a farm track. Along the way, it passes the Waertmolen, dating from 1571. The green-marked Klein Rondje Waarland takes a different route: it goes through the old village and over a high pedestrian bridge, known as a “kwakel”, across the Boomervaart. The route also follows the grassy embankment alongside the Kanaal Alkmaar-Kolhorn. It returns to the village along the unpaved Waardkade on the canal’s south bank.
The routes offer distinctly different views: the Ommetje focuses on the polder and farm track, while the Klein Rondje takes in the old village, the bridge and the canal section. This lets you choose a walk based on the landscape features you are most interested in seeing along the way.
Canoe and boat trips
The Kanoroute Waarland, also called Rondje Waarland, is a 12-kilometre circular route. Water conditions and access rules may vary, so check them before planning your trip. There is also a boat, sloop and canoe rental service at a harbour at Waarddijk 1. From there, a trip passes through various agricultural areas, villages and idyllic spots.
Waarland Mill and polder history
The octagonal body of the Waarlandsmolen was built in 1532. It is considered very likely to be the oldest surviving polder mill in the Netherlands. The Molenhuijs houses a permanent exhibition about the centuries-long struggle against water and the creation, purpose and necessity of polders. The mill and exhibition add a historical perspective on water and land reclamation to the impressions gained along the trails.
Mini golf and butterflies
Indoor Adventure Minigolf offers 15 artificial-grass lanes with changes in elevation and various obstacles, set in a covered tropical garden with koi ponds. The venue is open year-round, seven days a week: Monday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:00, and Sundays and public holidays from 11:00 to 17:00. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.
At Vlindertuin Vlindorado, butterflies of various species and sizes flutter among exotic flowers and plants. Activities for children include a free scavenger hunt, a wooden playhouse, a sandpit, stepping stones in the ponds and feeding the fish. Mini golf at Indoor Adventure Minigolf is also among the listed activities. Alongside walking trails and polder history, butterflies and play activities offer further ways to spend your time here.
Fair and Waarland traditions
The Waarland fair is held annually. The 2026 edition took place from Saturday 22 August to Tuesday 25 August. Café De Pub was the focal point during the four days of festivities, with music, games and traditions on the programme every day. Katknuppelen is an old Waarland tradition held on the Monday of the fair. The specific fair dates refer to the 2026 edition.
Discover more destinations: Schagerbrug, Schagen.
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