Uitgeest, Akersloot, De Woude

The Alkmaardermeer is located in North Holland, between Akersloot and Uitgeest, and together with the Uitgeestermeer it forms one of the largest continuous lakes in the region. The lake was created in the Middle Ages by floods that washed away the peat landscape and is a rare example of a natural peat lake that was never drained. That makes it a remarkable remnant of the old Dutch landscape.

Around the lake, you’ll see open polders, marshes and reed beds that are home to many meadow and water birds. The area is highly valuable for nature and biodiversity. You’ll find black-tailed godwits, redshanks, ducks and rare plants such as sundew and orchids in the moist grasslands.

Today, you’ll cycle along these Schermerboezems and the surrounding polder landscape – a fertile region dominated by agriculture and windmills. You’ll notice this in the pitstops along the way. Pause at one of the old mills that drained the land or played a key role in food production. And don’t forget to enjoy the peace, open space and greenery on this route – with an eye for everything that lives here.