Zuiderwoude combines a designated protected village scene with a clear way to explore the village on foot: along the dike, which also forms the main street. There are also historic farmhouses and a church with a long history, as well as walking routes and nature experiences in Waterland. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the village itself and experiences in the wider regional landscape.

Village history and historic architectural styles

Zuiderwoude is considered the oldest village in Waterland and has designated protected village-scene status. The Hervormde Kerk Zuiderwoude was built in 1877 and is a Rijksmonument. The historic farmhouses also include large buildings with pyramidal designs. The church and farmhouses offer different architectural highlights: the year 1877 gives the church a historical reference point, while the distinctive design shapes the large farm buildings. The historic focus therefore extends from the village scene as a whole to individual buildings. If you are interested in regional history, you can understand Zuiderwoude through these two aspects: the character of the village and its historic architectural styles.

On foot and along routes by the water

If you would like to explore Zuiderwoude on foot, you can walk along the dike, which also forms the village's main street. The dike therefore serves as a guide to exploring the village itself. Along the water, the Aandammerroute and Buitenweerenroute are also easy to follow using the green place-name signs. The dike draws attention to the village layout; the two signposted routes offer a different way to find your way, along the water. This distinction helps you plan a visit to the village and a route through the water-rich landscape as separate activities.

Cycling, birdwatching, and boating

The Aeën en Dieënroute is a cycling route through Waterland-Oost. It runs through open peat-meadow landscapes with ribbon villages, meadow birds, and the Markermeer. This offers a broader perspective on the landscape than exploring the village on foot. In the direction of Broek in Waterland, there is a birdwatching hut just beyond the bridge.

There is also a regional activity on the water: Staatsbosbeheer offers a guided boat trip through Waterland. Along the way, you can discover the water- and peat-rich landscape with its islands and reed beds. The cycling route and boat trip offer different experiences: one takes you out by bicycle, while the other is a guided trip on the water. Check the boat trip's current availability before your trip, before making firm plans to take it.

Tailor your stay

The historic architectural styles, signposted routes, and regional activities offer different starting points for planning your trip. You can tailor your search for suitable accommodation to the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Watergang, Monnickendam, Broek In Waterland, Purmer, Katwoude, Marken, Uitdam, Ilpendam

For the main travel overview: Waterland.