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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.
Its rural character can be seen everywhere, from traditional Westfrisian farmhouses and orchards to open fields and historic villages. Along the way, you’ll also come across some unexpected places, such as De Stofmolen in Wijdenes and the Beatles Monument in Oosterblokker. Drechterland is made for exploring at a leisurely pace. Follow the dykes, cycle from village to village or discover the area from the water. And in spring, colourful flower fields add another dimension to the landscape.
Come and have a look. Have a browse. 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.
Enjoy a round of golf at the Westfriese Golfclub, where the par-71 course offers plenty of variety for golfers of different levels. Afterwards, relax in the brasserie or on the terrace overlooking the 18th hole. Not playing golf? You’re just as welcome to stop by for something to eat or drink.
Reigerspassage shopping centre in Hoogkarspel has a range of shops for everyday essentials, fashion, gifts and jewellery, as well as other services. A convenient place to combine several errands in one visit.
De VertelTuin in Hem is a garden where stories take centre stage. Set in 1.5 hectares of greenery, it hosts storytelling, readings and performances in its Garden Theatre and Open-Air Theatre. Rather than a formal landscaped garden, De VertelTuin has a natural, informal character that makes it a distinctive setting for stories and events.
The West Frisian Omringdijk is 126 kilometres long and has surrounded Westfriesland for centuries. The dyke originated from several shorter dykes that were later connected. The route passes through towns such as Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Alkmaar, Schagen and Medemblik.
Today, the dyke forms a remarkable route through the region, passing towns and villages including Enkhuizen, Hoorn, Alkmaar, Schagen and Medemblik. Walk or cycle along it and discover a landscape of polders, waterways, villages and wide-open views.
Discover the Westfrisian Omringdijk
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.
De Kampeertuin is situated in an old orchard on the outskirts of Wijdenes, between Hoorn and Enkhuizen. The Markermeer is within cycling distance, with small beaches for swimming or playing. In the surrounding area, you can cycle past villages, towns and the open West Frisian countryside. When are you going to head there?
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, discovering windmills, traditional farmhouses and places steeped in history. 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.