Attractions and Places To See around Beemster - Top 20

The entire Beemster Polder is recognized by UNESCO for its perfectly preserved 17th-century geometric layout of fields, roads, canals, and dikes. This innovative landscape, created by draining the Beemster Lake between 1609 and 1612 using windmills, served as a model for future land reclamation projects and showcases the ingenuity of Dutch water management.

Yes, Beemster is home to several forts that are part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. These include Fort Spijkerboor, Fort Jisperweg, Fort Middenweg, Fort Nekkerweg, and Fort Benoorden Purmerend. Additionally, the Hoofdtoren in Hoorn is one of the last surviving defenses, originally built in 1464.

The Beemster Polder itself offers a unique open landscape with its characteristic straight lines, quiet waterways, and wide views. You can also visit the Schermereiland Nature Reserve, located between Beemster and Schermer, which is known for its unique swamp fowl and vegetation.

You can explore charming villages within the polder like Middenbeemster, Westbeemster, Noordbeemster, and Zuidoostbeemster, known for their traditional Stolp farmhouses and majestic mansions. The Windmills at Zaanse Schans, an open-air museum with small green wooden houses and operational industrial mills, also offers a glimpse into 19th-century Dutch life.

Absolutely. The open polder landscape with its straight lines and wide views is ideal for cycling and hiking. You can find various routes, such as those listed in the Hiking around Beemster and MTB Trails around Beemster guides. Electric Twizys are also available for rent to explore the area.

Many attractions are suitable for families. The Windmills at Zaanse Schans offers workshops and demonstrations. The Historic Center of Monnickendam and Volendam Harbour are great for walks, exploring shops, and enjoying local treats. The Damplein and Edam Cheese Shops also provide an engaging cultural experience.

The Agrarian Museum Westerhem in Middenbeemster provides insight into the agricultural history of the region. You can also visit the CONO Cheese Shop in Westbeemster to learn about and sample Beemster cheese, produced from local cows' milk, highlighting the area's dairy heritage.

Yes, the Keyserklim Church Tower in Middenbeemster, built in 1623, offers a panoramic view of the Beemster landscape from its 166 steps. The Museummolen (Museum Windmill) in Schermerhorn, while not directly in Beemster, also provides an excellent vantage point of the polder.

The Beemster Polder is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer (April to September) are particularly pleasant for outdoor activities like cycling and hiking, with milder weather and lush green landscapes. The unique geometric layout is also very evident during these seasons.

Beemster is famous for its high-quality dairy products, especially Beemster cheese, which you can explore at the CONO Cheese Shop in Westbeemster. For dining, Fort Resort Beemster offers a la carte options or multi-course meals at its Poterne restaurant, and you can enjoy a high tea experience at Bij Moeders in Middenbeemster.

At Volendam Harbour, you can enjoy a pleasant walk, browse many cozy shops for souvenirs, and savor fresh fish and fried mussels. It's also a popular spot for taking photos in traditional Dutch clothing and serves as a departure point for ferry rides to Marken.

The Windmills at Zaanse Schans is an excellent place to see industrial mills still in operation for demonstration purposes. Some mills, like the paint mill, even produce for sale, and you can often observe the production process or participate in workshops.