The history of the polder can be read in Wijdewormer’s landscape, buildings and roads. The land reclamation, water management and historic farmhouses give the area a distinct cultural focus.
Polder Landscape and Orientation
Wijdewormer was drained in 1626. The openness of the polder is characteristic, and the historic ribbon development preserves many elements from the period when it was originally established. Both shape the landscape: alongside the open land, the traditional settlement pattern is also part of the area’s history. The term refers to an elongated, ribbon-like arrangement of buildings.
The two straight roads laid out in the area are called Noorderweg and Zuiderweg. Their names also appear in several listed-building addresses: Noorderweg 102 and Zuiderweg 36 and 45. These addresses help distinguish the dated buildings and place them within the area.
Historic Houses and Water Engineering
At Ringdijk 2/4 stands a wooden dike house, or polder house, dating from the 19th century. It is a Rijksmonument (national monument). At Noorderweg 102 is a stolp farmhouse built in 1913/1914, which is a municipal monument. The examples differ in their design, date and monument status.
Two more stolp farmhouses, both municipal monuments, are located on Zuiderweg. The house “Waterloo” at No. 36 was built in 1911. The stolp farmhouse at No. 45 dates from 1881/1882 and has a bridge. Their construction dates are about three decades apart, offering a concrete comparison within the same building type.
The relatively small, octagonal Nekkermolen adds water engineering to the story of the houses. The mill was built in 1631 to drain the polder, five years after the land was reclaimed. Its purpose connects a single building to the fundamental development of the polder landscape.
Another cultural-historical point of interest is Het Depot, run by Stichting Behoud Cultuurhistorie Wijdewormer. Its exhibits include items such as traditional costumes, as well as material about the history of Wijdewormer and its surroundings. If you would like to include a personal visit to Het Depot in your plans, check access arrangements in advance.
Nature and Trails in the Surrounding Area
Nature, agriculture and recreation meet in the Wormer- en Jisperveld, Engewormer and Wijdewormer area. Part of this area is designated under Natura 2000 and/or the Natuur Netwerk Nederland; this designation applies to that part, not to the entire area as a whole.
The Trekvogelpad passes through Wijdewormer and offers a specific starting point for exploring on foot. There are also unmarked walking trails in Neck, some of which cross pastureland. Check trail conditions before setting out if you plan to use these routes.
Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Travel Plans
This way, your choice of accommodation can fit your own travel plans without assuming a particular route.
Discover more destinations: Jisp, Wormer, Oostknollendam.
See the wider travel overview: Wormerland.
