Discover Purmer: polder landscape, Purmerbos and cycling routes

Purmer is a polder landscape created through land reclamation, where nature, water management and a eventful history lie closely side by side. This creates a diverse setting when choosing a holiday apartment in Purmer: you can explore the character of the landscape, follow historical traces or spend time in Purmerbos. There are also different ways to enjoy the area for families with children and for active days away.

Polder landscape with a visible structure

The Ringvaart, the ditches, roads and lines of planting in Purmer form historic structural lines. Particularly in the undeveloped area, parts of Purmer's characteristic plot structure are still visible.

The Purmerdijk is also part of this landscape. The ring dike of Purmer forms part of the main line of defence of the Stelling van Amsterdam. Anyone interested in water management, landscape history and the Dutch cultural landscape will find a tangible connection to the area's history here.

Purmerbuurt and historical traces

Purmerbuurt is the old village at the intersection of Westerweg and Purmerenderweg. Important features of the surrounding area meet at this location. In 1922, several triumphal arches were erected on Purmerenderweg to mark the 300th anniversary of the reclamation of Purmer. The year 1622 also plays a role elsewhere: Jan Adriaansz Leeghwater helped reclaim several lakes in Noord-Holland, including Purmer in 1622. One route leads to a monument dedicated to him.

Nature and activity in Purmerbos

Purmerbos has an adventurous play forest for children. This gives the forest a specific place to enjoy an outing with younger travellers. The quiet and nature forest in Purmerbos is also a refuge for many birds and mammals. Runners, cyclists and horse riders are allowed to enjoy sporting activities there in peaceful surroundings. Depending on the pace you want for your holiday, Purmerbos can therefore be combined with nature observation, exercise and quality family time.

Cycling routes between water and history

Purmer can also be explored via several themed routes. The “Historie en watererfgoed in Purmer-Zuid” cycling route is 15 km long and runs through the southern part of Purmer. It starts at the intersection of Purmerenderweg and Westerweg, near Purmerkerk. The northern complement is the “Historie en watererfgoed in Purmer-Noord” cycling route, which is 17 km long and runs through the northern part of Purmer. The different route lengths help you plan according to your interests and the time available.

Groeneweg is now a paved cycle path that runs from Oosterweg through Purmer to Purmerend and back. The history of water also includes the Molentocht: it is a mill ditch through Purmer Forest near Purmerend, where three mills once pumped out water. Together with the monument to Leeghwater, this creates an outing that combines cycling with landscape and engineering history.

Holiday apartment in Purmer to suit your travel plans

When choosing a holiday apartment in Purmer, you can therefore consider which focus should define your stay. The polder structure and Purmerdijk appeal to those interested in landscape and history, while Purmerbos brings together activity, nature and a play forest for children. The cycling routes also offer an active perspective on the southern or northern part of Purmer. In this way, the choice of accommodation remains closely connected to which aspects of the area you would like to discover.

Other destinations in the region

Watergang, Ilpendam, Marken, Broek In Waterland, Monnickendam, Uitdam, Zuiderwoude and Katwoude

For the overarching travel overview: Waterland.