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Opmeer is firmly rooted in West Frisian soil. Nestled amongst ribbon villages, thatched farmhouses, meadows and places where farm life is still very much alive.
Discover historic farmhouses, a windmill, local museums and village traditions, or head to Hoogwoud, a place with a remarkable history. It was here in 1256 that Count William II of Holland died during his conflict with the West Frisians.
So, you come to Opmeer for places with deep roots. And for people who simply do what they’re good at.
At the West-Frisia Museum Farm, you step back in time to experience farm life as it used to be. It’s not just another museum, but a place full of everyday objects, stories and West Frisian domestic culture. You’ll see how people lived, worked and kept things running.
Visit the farm
The Lastdrager windmill has stood steadfastly there for years. A landmark with sails, timber and half-timbered walls. The sort of place where you look up for a moment and think: that’s some solid craftsmanship, that old trade.
Take a look at the windmill
Small, quirky and brimming with old-world charm on wheels. The ’t Loosje Car Museum is the sort of place where enthusiasts tend to linger a little longer. Take a journey through Simon Loos’s 85-year history.
Full steam ahead
The Opmeer Agricultural Show is all about livestock, machinery, the local area, tradition and pride. Here you can see what has made Opmeer great: good soil, hard work and a love of the land.
Discover the classic
Cow-spotting, but with a story to go with it. At the Cattle Museum, you can delve into the history of livestock farming and rural life. Informative and quintessentially West Frisian. Because if you want to understand the region, you simply start at the barn.
The stable in
At Theaterkerk Wadway, an old church is given a new lease of life. No Sunday silence here, but cabaret, music and theatre. This is where you sit, listen and laugh. No need to say ‘Amen’.
A church that’s anything but quiet
In the courtyard of the West-Frisia Museum Farm, Adriaans Paradijs brings together music, theatre, creative activities and village life. It is an informal meeting place for visitors of all ages, with events and activities throughout the year.
The annual Adriaans Paradijs Festival takes place around the birthday of founder Adriaan Donker and features live music, theatre and creative activities for children and adults. Other events have included high teas, craft days and a neighbourhood camping weekend.
Step into the world of Adriaan
A summer’s day in the park with music, stalls and simply a great atmosphere. It’s on a small scale, so no fuss. You wander around, linger a while, and before you know it, it’s dark. More info about Adriaans Paradijs
Opmeer is steeped in an ancient tale: the murder of Count William II. A history full of strife, power and murder. Not exactly a cosy village chat, but certainly one with a bit of bite. Exactly the sort of story that sticks in the minds of the West Frisians.
At Bakkerij De Korenschoof, it smells just as a bakery should. Fresh bread, a tasty treat for on the go and artisanal baked goods straight from the oven. A great stop for your walk, cycle ride or simply because you fancy a currant bun.
The Reformed Church stands in the heart of Aartswoud. These days, it’s also known as the Jazz Church. Whenever there’s a concert, exhibition or event, centuries-old history comes together with music. So do pop in for a visit.
At Berkhout Cheese Farm, cheese is made with milk from the farm and plenty of traditional craftsmanship. In the farm shop, you can choose from young and mature cheeses as well as varieties flavoured with ingredients such as cumin, pesto and truffle.
Berkhout Cheese Farm is a perfect fit for Opmeer. Down-to-earth, local and deeply rooted in farm life. So do stop by for a while – even if it’s just for a piece of cheese that’ll keep you happy for a while back home.
At Berkhout Cheese Farm, you can buy cheese straight from the farmyard in Hoogwoud. From young cheese to small herb-flavoured cheeses with truffle, cumin or pesto. You can also pop over to see the cows and calves. Just popping out for some cheese, but straight from the source. More info about Berkhout Cheese Farm
You can also take to the water in Opmeer . Hire a boat and explore the surroundings at a more leisurely pace. No fuss, just sailing. Hands on the helm and see where you end up.
Hire a boat
Fancy a refreshing dip? Then the ’t Woudmeer open-air swimming pool in Hoogwoud is the place for you. Just about a kilometre from Opmeer , you’ll find plenty of outdoor water fun here. Swim laps, enjoy a leisurely swim or take the kids to the paddling pool.
Take the plunge
At Camping De Gouw in Hoogwoud, you can hire a canoe for a trip through the West Frisian network of waterways. From the campsite, you can paddle straight out into the countryside, past ditches, villages and reed beds. It’s lovely to do it under your own steam – exactly how we like to do things here.
Hire a canoe
Sleeping under the West Frisian sky. At Camping Boven het Maaiveld, you can camp in a spot that offers space, tranquillity and its own unique character. It’s not a picture-perfect holiday setting, but simply being outdoors. It really does do you good.
Wake up peacefully amidst greenery and tranquillity. B&B De Japanse Tuinrust is a lovely spot for anyone looking to slow down for a while. The name says it all. And if not, you’ll realise it for yourself once you’re there.
At B&B Binnen en Buiten, you’ll stay in a spacious guesthouse set within a modern farmhouse. With folding glass walls, a private terrace, a sauna and views over the meadows, it feels almost as if you’re outdoors whilst indoors. And outdoors, you’re simply in the right place.
At Brasserie 1718 in Hoogwoud, you can pull up a chair for lunch, dinner or coffee with homemade cakes. The menu features local produce and seasonal dishes – food that suits the time of year. There’s a spacious south-facing terrace, on-site parking and a charging point for your electric bike. Handy if you’re cycling through Opmeer .
At De Hooghe Heeren in Hoogwoud, everything comes together: a grand café, a traditional pub, a terrace, food, drinks and events. A place to enjoy a good meal without any fuss. During the day, pop in for lunch or a coffee; later in the day, for dinner or drinks.
Fancy some Italian food in Spanbroek? Then Ristorante Adam is the place for you. The menu features fresh pizzas, pasta dishes and other Italian specialities. A table full of food where there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.
In Opmeer , you can combine farm life, local history and little-known gems. Think of the Opmeer Agricultural Show, the West-Frisia Museum Farm, the Cattle Museum, De Lastdrager Windmill and ’t Loosje Car Museum. It’s also the perfect spot for those seeking peace and quiet. You’ll find campsites, B&Bs, green spaces and walking routes through the West Frisian countryside. Opmeer isn’t a bustling place. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Well-known attractions in Opmeer include De Lastdrager Windmill, the West-Frisia Museum Farm, the Cattle Museum, the Wadway Theatre Church and the Opmeer Agricultural Show. Together, they say a great deal about the character of the municipality: agricultural, village-like, independent and deeply rooted. Smaller venues such as the ’t Loosje Car Museum and Adriaans Paradijs also fit in well with this. Not everything cries out for attention. Some places you simply have to know how to find.
If you’re travelling with children, Opmeer offers plenty of places to visit where there’s something to see, discover or experience. Think of the Cattle Museum, the West-Frisia Museum Farm or the ’t Loosje Car Museum. During the Agricultural Show, there’s often a particularly lively atmosphere, with animals, tractors and activities. There’s plenty of space outdoors too. Go for a cycle, a walk or a boat trip. Happy children, fresh air for parents.
In Opmeer , you can stay overnight in peaceful, green settings such as Camping Boven het Maaiveld or B&B De Japanse Tuinrust. This is ideal for those who want to experience Westfriesland at a leisurely pace. During the day, you can set off to explore villages, museums, windmills and local stories. In the evening, you’ll return to a place quiet enough to hear the wind. Sometimes that’s exactly what you’re looking for.