Discover Rijpwetering: Water, Mills and Polder Landscape

Rijpwetering combines open expanses of water, deep polders and an unusually rich history of windmills. Anyone wishing to combine nature, culture and distinctive local details on a trip will find various points of interest here: hiking trails lead through the polder landscape, several marinas form part of the village scenery, and historic mills tell the story of the area's former drainage systems. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you mainly want to focus your days on waterscapes, historic structures or a varied hike.

Mills and Structures with a History of Their Own

The mills of Rijpwetering are not merely individual sights in the landscape; they also point to earlier forms of water management. The Moppemolen was built in 1752 after its predecessor, a post mill, burned down. The Überhaal near the Blauwe Molen is, like the mill itself, a Rijksmonument, a listed national monument. This Überhaal pulled boats over the quay between the boezem and polder levels, vividly illustrating the former connection between waterways and land drainage.

A small, striking detail can be found above the cellar window of the Moppemolen: a tarred black circle on a white background, known locally as the “Devil's Cross”. Together with the Lijkermolen No. 1, the Lijkermolen No. 2 forms the only pair of twelve-sided stone mills in the Netherlands. The Lijkermolen No. 1 is located at the Kleipoel, in front of a landscape with open expanses of water and deep polders. Its history also goes back to the practical work of drainage: powered by wind, it drained the polders until the 1980s.

The Buurtermolen is also closely connected with this landscape. It was probably built in the 18th century and drained the Buurter polders until 1968. Today it stands on an island in the Kagerplassen and is highly valuable as a landscape feature. From the Poeldijk in Rijpwetering, it can only be reached by an unmanned private ferry. You should take this unusual access situation into account when planning your day.

Waterscapes and Trails for Active Days

From Rijpwetering, the Kagerplassen can be reached via Lake Koppoel. Several marinas add to the village's water-oriented character. For a hike, “Green Loops: Rijpwetering” is an option. The route runs along the Koppoel and the Kleipoel and through the polders of Rijpwetering. This allows you to experience the landscape from changing perspectives rather than viewing it only at isolated points.

Another option is the “Molens, Water en Meer” hiking route. It leads through Roelofarendsveen, Oude Wetering, Nieuwe Wetering and Rijpwetering in the municipality of Kaag en Braassem. This route is suitable for travellers who do not want to limit their stay to a single village centre and enjoy combining mills, water and polders on a longer hike.

Special Sightseeing Opportunities

The Adermolen stands on an island and can only be visited by boat. Specific conditions also apply to the Lijkermolen No. 1: It can be visited when it is turning, or by appointment. Such information is more important for day planning than simply listing mills, because it makes clear that not every structure is accessible in the same way at all times.

The Onze Lieve Vrouw Geboortekerk is also part of the village's cultural history. It was consecrated on 20 September 1860 by the Bishop of Haarlem, F.J. van Vree. Theo Molkenboer designed it as a three-aisled pseudo-basilica in the Neo-Gothic style. Thus, alongside mills and waterways, Rijpwetering also offers an architectural destination for a more leisurely day trip.

Rijpwetering as a Base

A holiday apartment or holiday home in Rijpwetering can suit a variety of travel plans: You can explore the polder paths, include the Kagerplassen and Koppoel, or discover historic mills and the church one after another. The destination pages for Roelofarendsveen, Woubrugge, Hoogmade and Kaag offer additional guidance for planning your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Kaag En Braassem.