Holiday apartment in West Graftdijk – Nature, cycle paths and history

West Graftdijk is a starting point for days spent among waterways, nature observation and regional history. The Eilandspolder nature reserve can be explored on foot, by bicycle, on roller skates, while sailing or, in winter, while ice skating. Various routes lead to particularly beautiful spots. A holiday apartment in West Graftdijk is therefore a good fit for planning a trip that combines different activities without committing to just one type of experience.

Nature among water, peatland and bird habitats

West Graftdijk borders the protected Natura 2000 site of Eilandspolder. The area covers 1,950 hectares, one quarter of which consists of water. Its extensive peat meadow landscape has swampy, nutrient-rich peat soil. This landscape provides a habitat for meadow and marsh birds such as black-tailed godwits, lapwings, oystercatchers, bitterns and reed warblers. For visitors who want to experience the landscape not merely as a backdrop but through its natural characteristics, this contrast of open meadows, water and peat soil is a defining feature.

Other nature destinations also have their own distinctive qualities. De Saskerlei is the last remaining piece of peatland in the Alkmaarder and Uitgeestermeer lakes. Because of special natural features such as saline peat and marine clay in the soil, it provides a habitat for various plant and animal species. Kerkemeertje, near West Graftdijk, is a shallow bird lake with a birdwatching hut. In Uilenbosje, near West Graftdijk, there is a viewpoint along a boot trail.

Cycle paths with landscapes and regional history

For active days, two cycle routes pass through West Graftdijk. The “Haring- en Hennep fietsroute” presents the history of the former Schermereiland, whose past was shaped by the struggle against water, a rich maritime history and the reclamation of the Beemster and Schermer areas. The “Rondje Pontje Polderland” cycle route uses three ferries, one of which cyclists must operate themselves. This means the two routes differ considerably in both their thematic focus and the way you experience the surroundings.

The combination of cycling, water and landscape can also be combined with the opportunities in the Eilandspolder. Depending on your preferred pace for the day, you can link a ride through West Graftdijk with exploring nature on foot, a trip on the water or a visit to a birdwatching site. A holiday apartment or other accommodation in West Graftdijk is particularly interesting if you want to shape your holiday days around different interests and do not want to limit your choice to a single excursion destination.

Fortresses and parks in the surrounding area

Several historical sites in the immediate or wider area form part of the cultural landscape. Markenbinnen Fortress and Fort Spijkerboor are located near West Graftdijk. Assumburg is a castle in the surrounding area, while Krommenie bij is a fortress in the surrounding area. You should distinguish between these different designations when planning: fortress, fort and castle are separate types of destinations here.

Parks also complement the regional picture. Wijde Wormer, Rekerhout and Bloemberg are parks in the area around West Graftdijk. Westerhout is located farther away in the wider region. The selection around a holiday apartment in West Graftdijk therefore includes not only waterways and peatland landscapes, but also green destinations and historical places with different characters.

More places for your planning

If you would like to compare West Graftdijk with neighboring towns, the direct connections continue to De Rijp and Graft.

For the overarching travel overview: Graft-De Rijp.