Nestled in the province of North Holland, the Beemster is not just a polder and municipality but a captivating testament to reclaimed land and innovative water management. Its exceptional qualities earned it a spot on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1999.
The Dutch have transformed a part of the former Zuiderzee into the fertile polder De Beemster, a masterpiece of land reclamation that illustrates their expertise in reclaiming land.
The Beemster is known for its historic and well-preserved landscape, characterized by flat farmland, canals, and windmills. The area is famous for its high-quality dairy products, particularly cheese, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 for its exceptional example of reclaimed land and innovative water management. Beemster attracts visitors with its picturesque beauty and cultural heritage, making it a popular destination for tourists and cheese enthusiasts alike.
➔ UNESCO World Heritages, Beemster Polder
Beemster Polder, reclaimed land in North Holland – UNESCO 1999
If you’re curious about the magical transformation of a lake into the picturesque Beemster polder, don’t miss this episode! “Het Klokhuis” takes you on a delightful journey, unraveling the secrets of 17th-century Dutch ingenuity. Discover how they turned water into land, creating the geometric marvel that is De Beemster. It’s a fascinating blend of history and Dutch engineering. The program is in Dutch, so you may be able to use Google Translate to understand exactly what is being said. Many of the images speak for themselves.
➔ The Beemster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from a large inland lake to a beautiful polder.
What makes the Beemster truly remarkable?
The journey began in the early 1600s with the ambitious project of draining the area. To safeguard the polder, an imposing ring dike was erected. Post-drainage, the extraordinarily fertile land was meticulously divided into rectangular parcels, crisscrossed by canals and ditches, forming a captivating geometric pattern. For 300 years, 50 watermills diligently kept the Beemster dry until they were succeeded by modern pumping stations.
The Beemster isn’t just a marvel from the ground; its beauty truly unfolds when viewed from above. The unique layout of agricultural plots and waterways and charming villages, windmills, and forts justified its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The water line forts and the Beemster
The 5 Beemster forts are part of the water line, a network of defensive structures. The water line is a typical Dutch invention. During enemy raids, the dikes between the forts are breached, flooding the surrounding landscape and causing the enemy guns to become bogged down in mud.
Adding to its allure, the Beemster is home to five forts from the Stelling van Amsterdam. From west to east, these include Fort Spijkerboor, Fort Jisperweg, and Fort Middenweg. These five forts are now all owned by the Nature Conservation Society. Completing the lineup are Fort Nekkerweg and Fort Benoorden Purmerend. These forts, along with the Beemster itself, are esteemed UNESCO heritage sites. If you like to stay overnight at one of the Dutch Defence Waterline Forts?
➔ Then it is best to make a reservation on Fort Resort Beemster.
The Beemster is a popular tourist destination
Today, the Beemster is a sought-after tourist destination. Visitors flock to this picturesque haven annually, drawn by its scenic allure and UNESCO World Heritage status.
Some good-to-know Beemster facts
The Beemster is a polder and therefore reclaimed land. The Beemster is, together with the polders “The Schermer” and “The Purmer” located in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is known for its well-preserved 17th-century landscape, characterized by a grid of canals, fields, and roads. The area was reclaimed from a lake in the early 17th century and is considered a prime example of Dutch hydraulic engineering. The former municipality of Beemster covered an expansive 72.08 km², housing the villages of Middenbeemster, Noordbeemster, Westbeemster, and Zuidoostbeemster, along with quaint hamlets like Halfweg and Klaterbuurt.
Midden Beemster, a lovely village
Midden Beemster, a charming village centrally located in the heart of the Beemster, is renowned for its historical architecture and undeniable charm. Since 1999, the entire Beemster region, including Midden Beemster, has been proudly recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beemstercheese, or as we say Beemsterkaas
And then, there’s Beemsterkaas – a true delight for cheese lovers and connoisseurs. This high-quality dairy product is a culinary highlight for any cheese enthusiast.
The best spot to view Beemster
If you’re looking for the best spot to view the Beemster, there are several locations you might consider. The best and most fun way to view the Beemster is by bicycle. Bicycles can be rented in many places, for example at the station, hotels, and bicycle shops.
- The village Midden Beemster
Explore the town on foot or by bike to appreciate the historic architecture and get a feel for the local atmosphere. - Dijk van Midden Beemster
The dike (or embankment) that surrounds Midden Beemster can offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the fields and canals. - Middenweg, the main Beemster road
This road runs through the Beemster and provides a scenic drive or bike ride with picturesque views of the polder landscape. - De Beemster Ringvaart
This is the ring canal that surrounds the Beemster polder. A walk or bike ride along the Ringvaart can provide beautiful views of the agricultural landscape. - Museummolen Schermerhorn
While not in Midden Beemster, the Museummolen in Schermerhorn is a historic windmill that offers guided tours. Climbing to the top provides an excellent vantage point to see the Beemster landscape.
Beemster is scenic beauty and history
The Beemster region is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance, making it a delightful destination for everybody interested in Dutch culture and landscapes. But don’t forget most properties are private and it is nice to respect that when exploring the area.
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