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Drechterland lies where land and water meet, between Hoorn, Medemblik, Stede Broec and the Markermeer. Villages, dykes and open countryside characterise the landscape here.
The agricultural character can be seen everywhere. In the cheese-cover farmhouses along the road. But also in places you don't immediately expect, such as the Dust Mill in Wijdenes and the Beatles Monument in Oosterblokker. You just get out and about here: along the dike, through the fields, from village to village. On foot, by bike or from the water. And when the flower fields are in bloom, the landscape colours itself.
Come see. Stroll around. And discover Drechterland in your own way.
The water tower in Hoogkarspel has been there since 1930. Not somewhere out of the way, but in the middle of the village. That's why you can see it from afar.
In Blokker, at Oosterblokker 1, there is a statue of The Beatles. Not for nothing: this is where the band performed in 1964. Thirty years later, the idea came up for a monument, so that that moment would not be forgotten.
At the Leekerhoek, just south of Oosterleek, stands the Vuurtje van Leek. This is a small beacon in the shape of a gas boiler, which guides shipping on the Markermeer. The current turret has stood there since 2001 and is painted with a quote by Emily Dickinson.
Huis Oosterleek is an eighteenth-century farmhouse and a rare West Frisian longhouse. Here you can still see how living and working came together under one roof. The details have remained. And you can simply stay overnight there these days.
Schellinkhout Town Hall was built in 1765 and is now a library. Inside, the council chamber catches the eye, with tiled walls and images relating to the administration of justice and local government.
Wijdenes is home to De Stofmolen, a national monument with a special story. The original mill was paid for with nickels. This is how it first got the nickname 'penny mill'. That later became simply the Dust Mill.
Drechterland and windmills go hand in hand. They serve as a reminder of life and work in days gone by. There are four well-known windmills in the municipality, each with its own unique character.
Fancy a day’s golf? At the Westfriese Golf Club, you can play on a par-71 course with plenty of challenges for every level. After your round, take a seat in the brasserie or on the terrace, with a view of the 18th hole. Don’t have your golf clubs with you? Then just pop in for a bite to eat or a drink.
In the Reigerspassage in Hoogkarspel, at the Raadhuisplein, you will find all kinds of shops. For your daily shopping, fashion, gifts or jewellery. But you can also visit the hairdresser here. Just do all your shopping in one go.
The VertelTuin in Hem is a unique place where stories take centre stage. Here, you can listen to stories being read aloud and told, in the middle of a garden covering one and a half hectares. It’s not a manicured park, but a place with a wild edge, featuring a Garden Theatre and an Open-Air Theatre set amongst the greenery.
The Westfriese Omringdijk is 126 kilometres long and has surrounded West Friesland for centuries. The dyke was formed from several shorter dykes that were later connected. The route passes cities such as Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Alkmaar, Schagen and Medemblik.
Anyone walking or cycling here will see how land, water and history come together in West Friesland. Along the way, you look out over dykes, villages and open countryside. Shoes on and go.
Discover the West Frisian Circular Dyke
Fancy learning to kitesurf? At KiteFEEL, you can head straight out onto the water in Schellinkhout. If the wind isn’t right, they’ll head to places like Medemblik or Andijk. Lessons are available for beginners and advanced kitesurfers alike. As well as kitesurfing, you can also try wingsurfing, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding here. Prefer to head out onto the water on your own? Then you can simply hire a stand-up paddleboard.
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At Uiterdijk, you can head out onto the open water. Thanks to its location and sloping seabed, this is the perfect spot for (kite)surfing. Or simply to sit back and read a book by the Markermeer. You don’t need much more than that.
Discover the Uiterdijk site
If you fancy a refreshing dip on a hot day, Drechterland is the place to be. You can head to the open-air pools at Het Streekbad in Hoogkarspel and ’t Hemmerven in Hem. Prefer to get your feet in the sand? Then head to the Markermeer. At the little beach at Schellinkhout or the harbour at Wijdenes, you can jump straight into the water.
Splash in the regional pool
De Appelhoek is situated at the foot of the West Frisian Omringdijk. You can simply camp there with your own tent or caravan on one of the three pitches. Those who prefer a bit more space can stay in a flat in the historic farmhouse or in a holiday cottage.
Hotelhouses Oosterleek is situated right on the shores of the Markermeer. Each cottage has a terrace at the front and back, complete with garden furniture. In fine weather, a fresh breakfast is laid out for you there every morning, prepared by the hostess. And in season, you can enjoy views of the tulip fields, sheep and cows.
This detached holiday villa for twenty people is located in the middle of the countryside. Its location gives you plenty of space and tranquillity. So with family or friends, this is the place to be. And if you want to relax, you can use the wellness area in the villa.
TuinGoed Bonatèr is situated in Venhuizen, close to the Markermeer. At this organic market garden with a nature campsite, it’s all about peace, space and being outdoors. You can camp amidst the greenery or stay in accommodation full of character, such as a yurt, gypsy caravan or retro caravan. The garden has been deliberately left to grow wild and is constantly evolving, with a strong focus on nature and biodiversity.
Roompot Park Wijdenes is a car-free park on the Markermeer. The West Frisian Omringdijk runs right in front of it. From the dyke, you can look out over the water and watch the sailing boats go by. The surrounding area is also well worth exploring, with routes for cyclists and walkers through the West Frisian countryside.
The Camping Garden is located in an old orchard on the outskirts of Wijdenes, between Hoorn and Enkhuizen. The Markermeer lake is within cycling distance, with small beaches for swimming or playing. Nearby, you can cycle past villages, towns and the open West Frisian countryside. When will you set off?
Restaurant OASE is located behind the dike in Schellinkhout, on the Hoornse Hop. You sit down there for a long evening of dining with family, spontaneous drinks with friends or a wedding in a special place by the water.
Since 1996, Pannekoekbakkerij Houtlust has been a trusted address to eat pancakes with the family. There is plenty of room for children to play and adults will also find plenty of choice on the menu.
Eatery 't Ken-Net feels like a regular place to get together for many people in Venhuizen. For a drink, a dinner or a party, just step inside.
In Drechterland, you can set off to explore villages, dykes, waterways and open countryside. You can walk or cycle along the West Frisian Omringdijk, discover windmills, traditional farmhouses and places with a story to tell. On the Markermeer, you can catch the wind at Schellinkhout or Uiterdijk. Prefer to take it easy? Then stroll past orchards, bulb fields and stalls selling locally grown delicacies.
Drechterland comprises Hoogkarspel, Westwoud, Oosterblokker, Venhuizen, Hem, Oosterleek, Wijdenes and Schellinkhout. Each village has its own character – from the Beatles monument in Oosterblokker to De Stofmolen in Wijdenes. Small in size, but with plenty of stories to tell.
Yes, Drechterland is perfect for walking and cycling. The landscape is flat, open and varied, with straight polder roads, winding village lanes and stretches along the dyke. Along the way, you’ll see little bridges, orchards, thatched farmhouses and fields of flowers. Just put on your walking shoes or hop on your bike – you’ll get a long way that way.
Schellinkhout and Uiterdijk are the places to be. There, the Markermeer lies right before you, with plenty of space for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing or kitesurfing. A kitesurfing beach has been created at Uiterdijk, and the gently sloping seabed allows you to venture far out into the water. Please do bear in mind the designated zones: kitesurfing is not permitted in the adjacent nature reserve or in the swimming zone.
Yes, especially if your children love being outdoors. You can cycle along the dyke, go for a swim at the Markermeer or enjoy pancakes at Houtlust. Places such as De VertelTuin in Hem also add that little bit extra to a day out. Just fresh air, stories and plenty of space to run about.