Holiday apartment in De Woude: island nature, water and village history

Holiday apartment in De Woude: island character on Alkmaardermeer

De Woude is an island in Alkmaardermeer and can only be reached by ferry. The island was formed around 1800 after the Markervaart was dug. Reaching the island by ferry is therefore part of the journey, while the Markervaart is part of its history. For planning purposes, a stay begins by the water and continues on the island among polders, reeds and the village. The island combines several natural areas: the paths lead through polders, while the Saskerlei offers reedland and a small beach.

Walking between polders and reeds

The Oost- en Westwouderpolderroute is a 5–7 km circular walking trail on De Woude. As a circular trail, the route returns to its starting point; several kilometres and sufficient time should therefore be planned for a walk or hike. The Saskerleidijk Woudhaven walking trail leads from the first section of the dam to the Saskerlei. This provides a continuous polder circuit and a route with the Saskerlei as its destination for planning your walks.

Nature watching at the Saskerlei

The reedland of the Saskerlei provides a refuge for, among others, many birds and geese. De Woude also has a nature area with some rare meadow birds. There is a small beach on the Saskerlei. For your planning, you can consider the path to the Saskerlei, the reedland of the Saskerlei and the small beach as different options.

Sailing and the lakeside harbour

Alkmaardermeer around De Woude is ideal for sailing. De Woudhaven is a leisure harbour on the eastern side of Alkmaardermeer, near the village of De Woude. Sailing adds an activity on the lake to the routes across the island and polders. The harbour’s location on the eastern side and near the village connects the waterside destination with the village. For a day focused on the water, the harbour and sailing can be included as a separate part of your plans.

Lock, waterway and Zaanse houses

At Woude 1, the lock and drawbridge form a municipal monument and date from 1887. Het Dampje is a listed waterway in the Westwouderpolder, northwest of De Woude. Wooden Zaanse houses are also part of De Woude’s village character.

De Kemphaan and the village history

De Kemphaan is a faithful replica of De Woude’s original wooden church. The original church dates from 1838. Today, De Kemphaan is used as a village house for social and cultural activities. The year 1838 therefore belongs to the historical model, while De Kemphaan’s present-day use includes social and cultural activities in the village.

Further destinations for planning your trip: Limmen, Castricum and Akersloot.

Back to the higher-level travel overview: Castricum.