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In Koggenland, there’s plenty of space. But there’s certainly no room for rushing.
The name derives from the medieval ‘koggen’: old legal districts comprising a few neighbouring villages. In Koggenland, you don’t take the quickest route. Here, you drive past villages, ditches and farms, with the open countryside all around you. From Obdam to Avenhorn. And from De Goorn to Ursem. Each village has its own character. That’s what makes it a distinctive part of West Friesland.
Head out and discover the green character of Koggenland.
Put on your shoes and off you go. From Avenhorn-De Goorn, you can walk straight out into the open countryside. Choose a short stroll through the village or take a longer route along the polder, Omringdijk and village lanes. Just fresh air and a West Frisian view.
View routes
Behind the West Frisian Omringdijk lies De Hulk. A water-rich recreational area with grass, trees, footpaths and play areas. You can go walking, cycling, boating and fishing there. There is space for children to play. For adults too, but then we call it walking.
Visit De Hulk
On the outskirts of Obdam stands Molen Weel en Braken. An old windmill nestled amongst the meadows. It used to keep the polder dry. Now it mainly helps to preserve the beauty of the landscape. Definitely worth a quick stop.
Read about the mill
Zuidermeer is small, but it’s great for walking. From the village, several routes lead through farmland, past waterways and quiet roads. Please note: during the breeding season, part of the water storage area is closed. In that case, you can easily walk via the Grootweg.
View the routes
Les Deux Ponts is located on the Slimdijk in Oudendijk. A waterside eatery, right next to the West Frisian Omringdijk. You can pop in for coffee, lunch, dinner or a drink on the terrace. It’s also a handy starting point for a walk, cycle, canoe or boat trip. Hit the road first, then sit down to eat. Or the other way round.
Book your table
Park Westerkogge is situated in Berkhout, nestled amongst meadows and water. A place for those who wish to linger a little longer in Koggenland. From here, you can cycle, walk or take to the water. No need for a packed itinerary.
There’s no need to sit still here for a moment. At Speelparadijs Koggenland, children jump onto the bouncy castle and dive into the ball pit.
Outside, they can play on the playground equipment. There’s plenty of space to climb, run and just have fun. And if it’s really hot? Then the outdoor swimming pool is the place to be.
Come and play
At Kinderparadijs Koggenland in Hensbroek, children can climb, jump, run and play outdoors. Inside, there is almost 2000 m² of play space. Outside, there is a lawn, play equipment and space for a game of football. More info about Kinderparadijs Koggenland
This route takes you through the open country between the Beemster and the Markermeer. You cycle past dykes, villages and old lines that shape the landscape. Peace, space and views come naturally here.
You cycle from village to village, along ribbon development and narrow roads. The West Frisian landscape is always around you. A route that stays quiet, but shows plenty.
With this route, you really see how water and land have shaped Westfriesland. You cycle past Heerhugowaard and Scharwoude. And along the way, you will also pass by the old waterlines and the Broeker Veiling, the oldest waterway auction in the world.
In Zuidermeer, you can step straight back in time at Museumboerderij De Anloup. This West Frisian farmhouse, owned by Annie and Teun Steur, is filled with utensils, tools and everyday items from farming life in days gone by. Just look, recognise and sometimes think: ah yes, that’s how it was.
In December, you’ll also find a large collection of nativity scenes there. Do give them a call before you visit, as De Anloup is open by appointment only.
Plan a visit
At Museumboerderij De Anloup in Zuidermeer, you step inside a West Frisian farmhouse. There you’ll see clothing, tools and utensils from farming life of yesteryear. Small, personal and full of items with a story to tell. More info about Museum Farm De Anloup
Sleep in an 1870s farmhouse in the middle of the country. Here you are among the meadows, with peace around you and Hoorn a short distance away. No crowds, but a place that is firmly rooted in the ground.
In Zuidermeer, you sleep in the back house of a 1929 cheese-cover farmhouse. Out in the open country, inside just fine. A place for those who like to keep it quiet, with the West Frisian countryside on their doorstep.
At Minicamping De Rozenbottel, opened in May 2025, you camp on a small scale with the land and animals around you. A place where you are outside and do your own thing. Just right for those who like to keep things quieter. Don't have your own tent? No problem, just rent the mega-caravan.
At Ootje Konkel, it’s all about pancakes and a good chat. The name says it all: ‘konkel’ means a cosy chat in West Frisian. And that’s exactly what happens here. For children, there’s a play area where they can have a go. Meanwhile, you can simply sit back at the table with a nice glass of wine.
At Villa GROET in Avenhoorn, you can simply pop in for lunch or dinner. The kitchen is open all week and the atmosphere is welcoming. Settle down in the eatery or find a spot on the terrace. Here you can enjoy a lovely view over the water.
At Eetcafé Halfweg in Ursem, sit down for a meal or a drink. No fuss, just a place where you can easily drop in and linger. Tip: you can also hire a Borrelboot here for a half or full day. Head in the wind, drink in your hand and go.
In Koggenland, you’ll mainly be out and about. Walk through the polders, cycle past villages or tackle a section of the Westfriese Omringdijk. Near Scharwoude lies the De Hulk recreation area, where you can walk, cycle, sail and fish. You’ll also find plenty of heritage, restaurants and farmland in villages such as Obdam, Ursem, Zuidermeer and Oudendijk. Just head out and explore.
Koggenland includes Avenhorn, Berkhout, De Goorn, Grosthuizen, Obdam, Oudendijk, Scharwoude, Spierdijk, Ursem and Zuidermeer. The former municipalities of Obdam and Wester-Koggenland also merged to form the municipality of Koggenland in 2007. Each village has its own character. From dyke villages to ribbon villages, from polders to village squares.
Yes, Koggenland is a great place for walkers and cyclists. You cycle via junctions along polder roads, through villages and along sections of the West Frisian Omringdijk. From Avenhorn-De Goorn, several walking routes start through the open countryside. Put on your shoes, unlock your bike and off you go.
Yes, especially if your children love being outdoors. At De Hulk, there are play areas and space for walking, cycling or fishing. In Hensbroek lies Kinderparadijs Koggenland, just outside the villages we highlight at the top of this page. Prefer to stay within the villages? Then opt for a short walk, a stroll along the dyke or a bite to eat by the water in Oudendijk.
In Koggenland, you’ll find village cafés, restaurants and terraces along the routes. In Oudendijk lies Les Deux Ponts, a waterside eatery and starting point for walking, boating, canoeing, inline skating and cycling trips. You’re right on the West Frisian Omringdijk. First out and about, then to the table. Or the other way round – we’re not fussy about it.