Holiday rental in Zuidoostbeemster: Polder Culture and Forts

Polder landscape with distinctive features

The defining cultural-historical qualities of Zuidoostbeemster include the ring dike and the ring canal. Their continuity and uniform design give the landscape a cohesive appearance. The openness of the landscape and the Kopergravure ditches are equally important. In the Beemster, the landscape structure laid out in 1612, a ring dike, straight roads, rows of trees and stolp-style farmhouses are also still clearly recognisable.

The built environment also reflects different periods. From 1850 onwards, Zuidoostbeemster gradually developed into a village. The first generation of farmhouses was somewhat smaller than the better-known Beemster farmhouses with their characteristic stolp roofs. Between 1918 and 1940, new horticultural workers’ houses and retirement homes were built along the Purmerenderweg, the Zuiderweg, Jacobus Boumanlaan and Wouter Sluislaan. Those interested in village landscapes and rural architecture will therefore find several historical layers of development here rather than just one uniform landscape motif.

Forts between history and landscape

Fort aan de Middenweg is hidden in nature and in a broad inundation area. The fort is not accessible to visitors, but it can be viewed from the public road across the polder landscape. Fort Benoorden Purmerend was built to defend the Beemster ring dike, as well as the Purmerenderweg and the Rijperweg in the Beemster. Fort aan de Nekkerweg was intended to prevent the enemy from advancing easily along the two raised roads.

The Beemster Fortenfietsroute makes it possible to explore the Hollandse Waterlinies and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Droogmakerij De Beemster by bicycle. The Wormer- en Jisperveld cycling route offers a different perspective: it is 32 or 44 kilometres long and includes a detour through the Beemster that passes Fort aan de Jisperweg. The different route lengths help you adapt your day’s planning to the desired extent of your cycling tour, without the routes necessarily having the same character.

Walks and special nature

For a shorter tour, the 10-kilometre Rondje Zuidoostbeemster walking route is a practical option. Nature enthusiasts can also include De Biotheek. The site was formerly known as Beemster Arboretum and contains more than 2,600 species of trees and shrubs. At De Biotheek, a guided tour or presentation by the manager BomenBram is possible. This adds a botanical dimension to exploring the polder landscape.

Regional products and farming traditions

Zuidoostbeemster’s agricultural character is also evident in its history. From 1890 onwards, horticulture expanded considerably; by 1921, the number of horticultural businesses had quadrupled to 229. The Beemster kaaswagen represents the region’s products. It sells Beemster cheese ranging from young to very mature, as well as various herb cheeses. On open days, visitors can also learn about the journey from cattle to cheese production at the farm.

Another place highlighting the region’s character is the De Liefde farm shop. It offers a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruit, potatoes and fodder beets.

Wellness in a former fort

Fort Resort Beemster offers a special combination of history and relaxation. Wellness is provided there in the characteristic atmosphere of a former fort belonging to the Stelling van Amsterdam.

Other places in the area

For further orientation, you can also include Middenbeemster and Noordbeemster.

For the overview of the wider destination: Beemster.