A pontoon bridge, a mill with a clearly defined drainage function and an observation tower overlooking flower bulb fields give Sint Maartensvlotbrug a distinct theme: water shapes the area’s architectural history and landscape, while Land van Fluwel brings tulip culture into focus. If you’re looking for accommodation, you can choose the town based on your own interests: technical and architectural heritage sits alongside a seasonal flower offering. Nearby Sint Maartenszee adds Wildrijk and a hike of about an hour to the choices.
Pontoon Bridge and Mills: Architectural History by the Water
The pontoon bridge over the Noordhollandsch Kanaal is designated a provincial monument and can now be used by pedestrians, cyclists and cars. It is a rare surviving example of a construction type dating from 1953. This type was based on the principle of the earlier vlotbrug; its design was created by Jan Blanken Jansz. in 1821/22. The chronology distinguishes two stages of development: the earlier design and the later construction type embodied by the pontoon bridge.
The former De Eensgezindheid dairy at Sint Maartensweg 5 is a municipal monument. Together with the bridge, it offers a comparison between two kinds of technical architectural history: a structure for crossing the canal and a former milk-processing site. N-M Mill, also called Noorder-M, adds to this picture. It was built in 1657 and drained the approximately 263-hectare N-M section of the Zijpe and Hazepolder into the Schermerboezem. The named area and waterway make the mill’s role in water management tangible.
Land van Fluwel: Tulip Heritage and Views Across the Fields
At Land van Fluwel, an 11-metre-high observation tower offers views across the surrounding flower bulb fields. The tulips are particularly spectacular in spring. The Dutch Tulip Experience offers a different perspective: its audio tour tells the story of the tulip. The tower directs your gaze to the fields, while the audio tour focuses on their cultural significance.
Every spring, Land van Fluwel and Bloeiend Zijpe jointly organise rides on the BloemBollenBoemel through the surrounding flower fields. The experiences are distinct: from the tower, you look out over the fields, while the Boemel travels through them; the audio tour explores the history of the tulip. If you’re planning a ride, check the dates before your trip.
Wildrijk: Landscape History and a Hike
Wildrijk is located in nearby Sint Maartenszee. Originally a wooded country estate, it was protected through acquisition in 1940. A special mill in Wildrijk maintains the water level using a so-called “schoonwatersloot”, a clean-water ditch that brings water directly from the dunes. This differs from the drainage function of N-M Mill: here, dune water is brought in to maintain the water level, while the mill there drained a polder section into the Schermerboezem.
Wildrijk also has a hike that takes about an hour, and is especially enjoyable in spring. This gives you a clear idea of how much time to allow for the outing, while the tulip displays and BloemBollenBoemel rides shape a spring visit to Sint Maartensvlotbrug. The different highlights—architectural history, water management, tulip culture and hiking—give you a basis for choosing where to stay and when to travel according to your interests.
Discover more destinations: Oudesluis, Het Korfwater, Burgerbrug, Sint Maartenszee, Petten, Callantsoog, Sint Maartensbrug, 'T Zand.
For the main travel overview: Zijpe.
