Discover Ilpendam through two distinct interests: the town’s architectural and ecclesiastical history, and routes through the polder and waterways landscape. When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to set an initial priority: Would you mainly like to get to know the town and its historical traces, choose a cycling or walking route, or explore the surroundings by water? The details below give these options a more specific profile.
Townscape and history
Ilpendam’s original village centre lies between the former course of the Noord-Hollands Kanaal and the Purmerringvaart. Its townscape includes the characteristic ribbon development, with distinctive buildings considered valuable to Ilpendam. The settlement pattern and waterways provide a framework for the town’s history, which can be traced through various buildings and milestones.
The Hervormde Kerk at Kerkstraat 19 is a single-nave building with a five-sided apse. Parts date from 1656; the church was partly renovated in 1850, and a west tower was added in 1868. Its belfry houses a bell made by Gerhard Schimmel in 1682, with a diameter of 123 centimetres. The mechanical clock mechanism in the tower, made by Eijsbouts, dates from 1923.
The history of Ilpendam’s Heilige Sebastianusparochie begins with a chapel dedicated to the Roman martyr Sint Sebastianus in 1411. Another milestone is Slot Ilpenstein: it was built around 1622 on the site of a fortification constructed by the Spanish and demolished in 1872. The chapel, the former castle and the Hervormde Kerk thus represent different chapters in the town’s history.
The development of the waterways is also part of the story. In the 17th century, the towpath route from Amsterdam to Purmerend passed directly by Ilpendam. Later, the canal was widened and incorporated into the Noordhollandsch Kanaal. This history is worth bearing in mind when planning today’s routes: one cycling route crosses the Noordhollandsch Kanaal by ferry.
Walking and cycling routes
The signposted Vurige Staartroute follows the Oudelandsdijkje cycle path on the outward leg and the Purmer grass dike on the return. The Hekkenroute takes a different course: it starts in Ilpendam, crosses the extensive polders of the Purmer to Edam, and offers good chances of spotting meadow birds and possibly a kestrel. There are 14 stiles along the way.
To compare the routes: the Hekkenroute heads towards Edam and offers opportunities for birdwatching. On the Beleef het levend veen cycling route, the winding dike, views across the Purmer and the visible difference in the polder’s elevation are among its defining features. This offers a choice between a specific destination with nature-watching opportunities and a cycling route with views of dikes and polders.
Beleef het levend veen follows the winding dike to Ilpendam. After leaving the centre, the route crosses the Noordhollandsch Kanaal by ferry and then continues to the Bezoekerscentrum Ilperveld. Check the latest information about the ferry crossing before setting off.
The Ronde van Ilpendam cycling and walking routes start and finish in Ilpendam. They are signposted, available digitally and can be downloaded to a personal bike navigation device. Participants receive a stamp card and a start number for each route they choose. As route logistics and participant rules may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before taking part.
On the water
BoatVerhuur Waterland takes visitors from Ilpendam straight into the open countryside, where tranquillity, wide-open spaces and nature take centre stage. The area around Ilpendam can also be explored by water. Renting a boat is one option for exploring 't Varkensland; check availability with the provider in advance.
The Ilpendam–Landsmeer ferry connects the two towns. If you plan to take this crossing, check its operating status before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Marken, Uitdam, Katwoude, Watergang, Broek In Waterland, Purmer, Zuiderwoude, Monnickendam
For the wider travel overview: Waterland.
