Burgerbrug lies in the Zijpe Polder, considered the oldest reclaimed polder in Noord-Holland. Those choosing the village for a trip can plan around several distinct themes: the historic village centre, the windmills and their water-management history, a canoe route, and seasonal festivals.
Village Centre and Architectural History
The historic village centre is characterised by the old Starre Kroon farmstead. Around Burgerbrug are characteristic North Holland stolpboerderijen, known as “pyramids of the polder.” The historic village centre also includes a small church with small stained-glass windows. The Jacob Claessesluis is a monument recalling the centuries-long conflict between the Zijpe Polder and the Hoogheemraadschap van de Uitwaterende Sluizen.
The church at Burgerweg 60 in Burgerbrug is a national monument dating from 1830. Since 1873, the Onze-Lieve-Vrouwe Church in Burgerbrug has had painted stained-glass windows in its choir. The Herboren Toren is a distinctive village church dating from the mid-19th century and is used as Burgerbrug’s social and cultural centre. If you are travelling specifically to attend a programme at the Herboren Toren, check the dates in advance.
Polder Windmills and Waterways
Zijpe Molen F is located at Grote Sloot 33 in Burgerbrug. Molen F had already been built when the polder windmill masters were appointed in 1567; this took place during the first embankment of the Zijpe. The possible construction years for Molen Zuider-G are 1597 or 1598; the year 1669 shown on the information board cannot be ruled out either. For Molen F, 1567 marks the point by which the windmill was already standing; several possible construction years remain open for Zuider-G.
Molen L-Q drains sections L and Q of the Zijpe and Hazepolder; Molen Zuider-G drains sections Zuider G and Zuider M of the same polder. The assignment to sections clearly distinguishes the drainage areas of the two windmills.
Walking Trail, Canoe Route and Beach
A walking trail in the Worteltuin of Croon en Bergh circles a dry water-storage basin. Visits are by appointment, so arrange your visit with the organisation in advance. The Zijpe Canoe Route is a 23.5-kilometre circular route along the Noordhollands Kanaal and the Groote Sloot. The routes differ clearly: the walking trail circles a single basin, while the canoe route follows two named waterways.
Petten Beach is about three kilometres from Burgerbrug in the surrounding area; the distance may vary depending on the route. Consider your route choice if you plan to include the beach in your trip.
Annual Festivals
Burgerbrug holds its annual summer market, the Jaarmarkt. A large carnival festival is also held every year. If you want to plan your trip around one of the festivals, check the exact dates in advance to ensure your visit coincides with the event.
Discover more destinations: Oudesluis, Het Korfwater, Sint Maartensvlotbrug, Callantsoog, Petten, Sint Maartenszee, 'T Zand, Sint Maartensbrug
For the broader travel overview: Zijpe.
