Discover Sint Maartensbrug through its waterscape, polder history and art. The Noorder G drained the 205-hectare N-G section of the Zijpe and Hazepolder into the Schermerboezem. Along the Grote Sloot are a north–south-running rural canal, a wooden footbridge and a church that serves as an exhibition space. Other attractions include the annual Kunstroute Zijpe and a circular tour through the Zijperpolder. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth first considering whether you would like to focus mainly on water management, architectural history, art or a polder tour.
Water, polder and coast
The Grote Sloot runs from north to south and is a rural canal. Villages such as Burgerbrug, Schagerbrug and Oudesluis lie on its banks. The Noorder G has a specific drainage function in the history of the polder: it drained the 205-hectare N-G section of the Zijpe and Hazepolder into the Schermerboezem. This connects the course of the canal with a specific drainage task in the polder. The Strandslag Sint Maartenszee beach access is also nearby. If you would like to include the coast in your visit, this named beach access is another option.
Architectural features along the Grote Sloot
The Stolpbrug is a wooden pedestrian bridge over the Grote Sloot, built in 1997. Its shape is based on that of a stolp, a traditional farmhouse type. The design therefore transfers a familiar architectural motif to a bridge. The Stolpbrug also has a stage for music and other performances. The structure thus combines its function as a bridge with a stage for artistic performances.
A church at Grote Sloot 233 was built in 1696. In the centre, a church serves as an exhibition space for various exhibitions by professional artists. The construction dates of 1696 and 1997 provide a striking contrast in age between the church and the Stolpbrug. Together with the bridge’s distinctive shape, these buildings offer different points of interest for visitors interested in architecture or history.
Art route and high tea
The annual Kunstroute Zijpe passes through Sint Maartensbrug. In the centre, the church serves as an exhibition space for various exhibitions by professional artists. The art route takes place annually; the specific dates may vary from one edition to another. If you are travelling for the route, check the dates of your chosen edition in advance.
The Theetuin Dapper also offers a special occasion: you can reserve a high tea there among ponies. Event times may vary. When planning your visit, it therefore makes a difference whether you are basing it around the annual art route or the bookable high tea: for the route, check the dates of the relevant edition; for the high tea, check the event times.
Circular tour through the Zijperpolder
Visitors can take a circular tour through the Zijperpolder from Sint Maartensbrug. It offers a different focus from a visit to individual buildings or exhibitions: instead of a particular building, the polder itself is the destination of the tour. If you plan to take this option, check the booking details in advance; they may change. This lets you include the tour as a separate part of your visit without tying it to a fixed itinerary or a particular duration.
Discover more destinations: Het Korfwater, Sint Maartensvlotbrug, Oudesluis, Callantsoog, Burgerbrug, Sint Maartenszee, 'T Zand, Petten.
For the overview of the wider area: Zijpe.
