De Rijp, Purmerend, Zuidoostbeemster

You will start your cycle route in Purmerend. Purmerend has a beautiful old center with a past that dates back to the 13th century, when it was still a fishing village. You will find various sights here, such as the old town hall, the Purmerend Museum and the large church. Around it you will find many nice stores and catering establishments. After Purmerend, you cycle on to the oldest village in the Beemster: Middenbeemster. Many buildings in this village are national monuments and a large part is protected as a village sight.

You drive on to De Rijp, with beautiful wooden houses and the best candy shop in the Netherlands. Here, too, fishing was an important source of income for the population for a long time. In 1654 a large part of the village burned down, some 700 houses were rendered uninhabitable. Fortunately, due to concerned and helpful citizens, there were no casualties.

Continue your route through the Dutch water landscape, passing small farming villages. On your way back towards Purmerend, you will cycle past the Fort near Spijkerboor. This is one of the largest and most modern forts of the Defence Line near Amsterdam. This line was built around 1900 to protect the capital from enemies. Between April and September, the fort is regularly accessible so you can take a look inside as well.

Do you love nature and history? Does the Beemster in North Holland attract you? Then this is a cycle route for you!