Velsen-Zuid combines a long village history with Buitenplaats Beeckestijn and a range of cultural and walking themes. The historic village centre is designated a protected townscape; the Engelmunduskerk is one of the oldest churches in the Netherlands. At Beeckestijn, you can visit the museum house, stroll through geometric gardens and parkland, or follow the cultural and historical walking route. The mix of themes makes it an interesting destination: early local history, gardens and parkland, and walking and cycling routes with different focuses.
Village history with several layers of the past
The old village of Velsen has a long history dating back at least to the founding of the first church in the 8th century AD. The Engelmunduskerk is one of the oldest churches in the Netherlands and another historic landmark. The historic village centre of Velsen-Zuid is also designated a protected townscape. The construction and widening of the Noordzeekanaal divided the village at the time and reduced it to about half its size. The village’s history therefore encompasses both early church foundations and changes brought about by the construction of the canal.
Beeckestijn: House, Garden and Parkland
Buitenplaats Beeckestijn is an 18th-century country estate. Visitors can tour the museum house and stroll through the formal geometric gardens and romantic parkland. The gardens and parkland offer contrasting features: geometric design on the one hand and the romantic character of the woodland on the other. Along the cultural and historical walking route, information boards explain the rich cultural history of Beeckestijn and its residents. If you are planning a visit, check the estate’s website in advance.
Walking and Cycling Routes with Different Themes
The Velserpad is a walking route with sturdy information boards about the history of the village centres, country estates, landscape and local economy. The cultural and historical walking route through Beeckestijn, by contrast, focuses on the estate and its residents. This difference can help you choose a route: the walking route provides information about the estate’s history, while the Velserpad covers several village and landscape themes. The 24 km Fietsroute Beeckestijn starts in Velsen-Zuid and passes Buitenplaats Beeckestijn. It is a cycling route; check the route details before setting off.
Art and Practical Information
Another cultural attraction is Raadhuis voor de Kunst, an initiative founded by visual artists in the old town hall of Velsen on Torenstraat in Velsen-Zuid. For travellers interested in visual art, it complements the themes of village and country estate history with an art-focused initiative.
If you use the Velsen-Zuid ferry, pedestrians, cyclists, moped riders and other slow-moving traffic have priority and can cross for free. As ferry regulations may change, check the latest information before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Driehuis, Ijmuiden, Velsen-Noord and Santpoort-Noord.
For the overview of destinations in the wider area: Velsen.
