Discover Wieringerwaard: Polder History, Nature and Holiday Rentals

Wieringerwaard is a destination for you if you would like to combine polder history, distinctive historic buildings, nature observation and active pursuits. When looking for a holiday rental in Wieringerwaard, it is therefore worth considering the destination’s various points of interest: you can discover historic traces, walk through a bird habitat, count Stolpboerderijen by bicycle or enjoy group activities that involve strategy and teamwork.

From Polder to Historic Tram Station

Wieringerwaard’s history is particularly evident in its early buildings. The Polderhuis was built in 1612 and is one of the first buildings constructed in the newly reclaimed polder. Stolpboerderij Nieuwesluis 17 was probably built around 1611, shortly after the Wieringerwaard was drained in 1610. It served as an inn and horse-changing station for the towboat service between Wieringerwaard and Kolhorn.

The former Wieringerwaard tram station also tells the story of a transport connection from the past. It is considered a rare and largely preserved station building of the Wieringen–Schagen tramway, built in the transitional architectural style. It was built in 1910 for the Dutch Van Ewijcksvaart–Schagen tram line. The Wieringen–Schagen tramway, which served Wieringerwaard, opened on 1 March 1912 and was discontinued in 1936. For historically interested visitors, this ensemble offers a special insight into the development of the polder and its transport routes, without implying any present-day use of the former station.

Church and Polderhuis as Cultural Points of Interest

The Witte Kerkje Wieringerwaard has stood since 1865 on the site of a wooden church dating from 1636. Historic gravestones have been preserved inside; the oldest dates from 1639. The Witte Kerkje Wieringerwaard has Rijksmonument status. It thus complements the early history of the polder with a building in which several centuries of the village’s history can be encountered directly.

The Polderhuis council chamber contains a striking tiled fireplace and a wall of cupboards dating from the 18th century. The Polderhuis collection is housed in three rooms: the hall, the former caretaker’s kitchen and the formally furnished upstairs room. Those who seek not only landscapes but also the region’s everyday and architectural history during their trip will find various historical facets of the village here.

Nature, Cycling Routes and Active Experiences

The 3.8-kilometre-long Waardkanaal nature area features broad reed beds that provide a habitat for various reed-dwelling birds. You can walk through the bird area in the nature reserve. This creates a clear contrast with the historic buildings: after gaining insight into polder construction and transport, your attention turns to reeds, waterways and birdwatching.

Wieringerwaard can also be explored on two wheels. There are more than 35 Stolpboerderijen in Wieringerwaard, which you can count by bicycle along the Barsingerweg and the Noordzijperweg and Zuidzijperweg. This cycling idea combines exercise with the distinctive theme of historic farmhouses and gives your holiday a clear focus of its own.

For active group pursuits, Eendracht Adventures offers paintball on seven varied playing fields. There is also a 1,100-metre-long obstacle course with 14 different obstacles across land and water, to be tackled with strategy and teamwork. This means that a stay in Wieringerwaard can include an active day with a group alongside culture and nature.

Holiday Rental in Wieringerwaard and the Focus of Your Holiday

When choosing a holiday rental in Wieringerwaard, you can make the desired pace of your trip the focus. Historic discoveries lead to buildings from the polder era, the former tram station and the Witte Kerkje. Nature enthusiasts can turn their attention to the Waardkanaal and its reed-dwelling birds, while a cycling route or the activities offered by Eendracht Adventures provide more exercise. This combination is precisely what makes Wieringerwaard appealing for different daily itineraries: you can focus on culture, plan time for nature observation or choose active experiences, without limiting your trip to just one type of excursion.

More travel ideas: Kolhorn, Barsingerhorn, Westerland, Hippolytushoef, Kreileroord, Winkel

For the higher-level travel overview: Hollands Kroon.