Heerhugowaard, Akersloot, De Woude

In the Middle Ages, North Holland was fully connected to the Zuiderzee. The Schermer, the Beemster, the Sternmeer and the Purmer (now Purmerend) were open waters, created by floods that swept away the peat landscape. The lakes were connected to each other, to the IJ and to the sea. There was one island: the piece of land with the villages of Noordschermer, Zuidschermer, Graft and De Rijp.

Although the open connections were very favourable for trade, they also caused flooding. And that natural force led to quarrels between villages and cities in North Holland. Emperor Charles V sent three councillors to investigate, which resulted in the founding of the Hoogheemraadschap van de Hondsbossche in 1555.

The connecting waters were closed off and locks were built. The open waters thus became storage lakes, also called boezems: the Schermerboezem was born. Excess water from the surrounding land could be drained into these lakes.

In the centuries that followed, the Beemster, the Purmer and the Sternmeer were drained. Only the Alkmaarder and Uitgeestermeer remained, as a rare example of a natural peat lake that was not drained. That makes it a special remnant of Dutch landscape even from before the Middle Ages.

Today you cycle along the Schermerboezem and the surrounding polder landscape. Stop at one of the old mills that drained the polder or were important for food production. But also don’t forget to enjoy the peace, space and greenery on this route, with an eye for all that lives here!