De Overhaal, an important industrial heritage site, stands in the harbour of Bovenkarspel. As early as the 17th century, the facility was used to transfer schuiten from the polder to the harbour on the Zuiderzee. Since its restoration in 1993, De Overhaal has served as a lift for schuiten and boats for recreational use. Here, the historic transport function meets the later use for recreational boats. If you are planning a boat transfer, check the current operating regulations in advance.
Waterways and trips through the polder
The historic Vaarkaart shows a boating route between Stede Broec and Enkhuizen. It is available from tourist information offices, harbour offices and leisure providers. For a trip through the polder, RIJO Bootverhuur offers motorboats and Canadian canoes. The trips described pass reed beds, meadows and narrow waterways. They start in Lutjebroek and can go through Het Grootslag towards Enkhuizen. As the service is seasonal and route descriptions may change, check both in advance. No boating licence is required for the motorboats; confirm the current rental conditions before booking.
Buildings and cultural history
Molen Ceres also tells a story of historic connections: it was built in 1849 using an octagonal section and many other parts from the Zaandijk oil mill De Oude Haas. The mill shop sells flour and baked goods, among other things; its selection may change. In Lutjebroek, Bessiekerk is a historic building originally built as a Dutch Reformed church in 1862. In Bovenkarspel, the Het Postkantoor theatre is housed in a monumental building at Hoofdstraat 17. It hosts theatre performances and film screenings.
Cultureel Centrum Bessie complements these cultural venues with a range of activities, including courses, exhibitions, lectures, theatre, dance classes and workshops. If you are planning a visit, check the current programme beforehand. This way, you can discover cultural history and today’s cultural offerings as different facets of the region, without reducing them to a single building or type of event.
Forest, water and trails
In the Het Streekbos recreation area, forest, water, meadows and trails alternate. You can go walking, swimming, climbing and fishing there. The ecological Streekbos Climate Park has been open since April 2015 and is located in the recreation area of the same name. An 18-hole mini-golf course is right next door; check its current availability before your visit. There is also a special option for anglers: a fishing spot in Het Streekbos is accessible to people with disabilities. Follow the local signs and check the current conditions before your visit.
A cycling tour through the municipality of Stede Broec takes you through the villages of Bovenkarspel, Grootebroek and Lutjebroek, among others, and passes the Blotevoetenpad in Bovenkarspel. Check the current route details before setting off, as they may change. At Blotevoetenpad Gouwe Voeten, the obstacles include balancing on logs, crossing a wobbly bridge and wading through water and a reed ditch. You should also check the trail conditions before your visit.
De Weelen is a nature reserve in West Friesland. You can spot deer and birds there; the area also offers peace and space for a relaxing walk. Another, rather different place to discover is Het Keetje in Lutjebroek: the orchard and care farm offer lunch, regional products, a farm shop, a lunchroom with a terrace and a discovery garden. Check the current visitor and opening arrangements and the seasonal offerings in advance.
Planning your trip
The train can also be part of your travel plans: Stede Broec is on the Amsterdam–Enkhuizen railway line and has the stations Bovenkarspel-Grootebroek and Bovenkarspel Flora. Whether you are interested in cultural history, a trip on the water or trails through forests and nature, the region’s varied places and activities offer different ways to shape your stay.
Discover more destinations: Bovenkarspel, Lutjebroek, Wormerland, Den Helder, Zeevang, Haarlem, Landsmeer, Zijpe.
View the main travel overview: North Holland.
