Holiday apartment in Watergang: village history, nature and routes

Watergang is a place of unusual contrasts: a black-tarred hay barn defines the village, while Watergang is also home to the narrowest village street in the Netherlands. These distinctive details are among the aspects you can consider when choosing a holiday apartment in Watergang.

Village history on Dorpsstraat

Two specific elements of the villagescape can be found on Dorpsstraat. The Reformed Church of Watergang at Dorpsstraat 37 is a five-sided building with Gothic features, dating from 1642. Its façade dates from the 19th century; the church also has a wooden turret. The Hooihuis at Dorpsstraat 42 in Watergang dates from 1881. For days focused on culture, these two specific addresses in the village are the main points of interest.

Varkensland with meadow birds and orchids

Varkensland, also known as Watergangse veld, is part of the Natura 2000 area Ilperveld, Varkensland, Oostzanerveld & Twiske. Special meadow birds breed in Varkensland. The area has peat-moss marshes with wild orchids and other plants. For families interested in nature observation, the specific features of this landscape are its birds, marshes and plants. This combination of local history and nature appeals to different interests, without limiting the area to just one type of holiday.

The Laarzenpadroute through Varkensland

The Laarzenpadroute runs from Broek in Waterland along the Broekervaart through the Varkensland nature reserve. Red arrows mark the way along the route; white posts in the landscape indicate bridges or crossings. Because of the breeding season, the Laarzenpadroute is inaccessible from 15 March through 15 June inclusive. Dogs are not allowed in the nature area along the Laarzenpadroute. Anyone travelling with a dog or visiting during this period therefore cannot include this route as a planned option.

Audio stories and a varied cycling tour

A different way to get to know Watergang and Ilpendam is the free, self-guided audio tour “Ilpendam & Watergang”. It includes eleven stops; an audio story starts automatically when you reach each stop. For cyclists, the Rondom Watergangroute is a varied cycling tour around the former sailing village of Watergang, through Ilperveld and Het Twiske, and along the Gouwzee. The Rondom Watergangroute uses a ferry crossing twice.

Choosing a holiday apartment in Watergang based on your holiday focus

When choosing a holiday apartment in Watergang, you can compare these local highlights with your own travel pace. The village history at the two addresses, nature observation in Varkensland, the self-guided audio tour and the two types of routes suit different kinds of holiday days. This mix can be particularly helpful for families with children of different ages, as it allows them to mentally separate active and quieter parts of the day. A cultural visit, nature observation, an audio story or a cycling route each require different interests, without obliging you to create a rigid programme. The accommodation decision therefore depends on which of these specific experiences you want to shape your stay and whether the rules of the Laarzenpadroute fit your travel plans.

More destinations for planning your trip: Purmer, Ilpendam, Marken, Zuiderwoude, Katwoude, Uitdam, Monnickendam, Broek In Waterland

For the higher-level travel overview: Waterland.