Droogmakerij De Beemster Beemster Polder

A Deep Dive into the Beemster Polder: Exploring the Netherlands’ First Reclaimed Land

The Netherlands, a land renowned for its canals, windmills, and vibrant tulip fields, is also home to an intriguing piece of history - the Beemster Polder. Located in the province of North Holland, just north of Amsterdam, this meticulously engineered landscape tells the story of how the Dutch people tamed the waters of their land.

What is a polder?

Before we delve into the Beemster Polder, it’s essential to understand what makes this place so unique. A polder is a piece of low-lying land that has been reclaimed from the sea (or in this case, a lake) by building dikes and pumping out the water. This process, symbolizing the very essence of Dutch ingenuity, is fascinating in itself.

The Beemster: A Legacy in the Landscape

But the Beemster Polder isn’t just any polder; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the historical significance of land reclamation in the Netherlands. This “World’s First Polder” (literally translated from its Dutch name, “De Beemster”, meaning “the reclaimed land”), with its story dating back to the 17th century, offers a unique glimpse into the past while providing breathtaking views and a tranquil escape for visitors.

A Journey Back in Time:

The Beemster Polder, once a vast lake, was transformed into a fertile landscape thanks to the ingenious work of Dutch engineers who drained it using a network of windmills and canals. This monumental effort, undertaken in the 17th century, resulted in the creation of a vast agricultural plain, perfectly designed for the Dutch landscape and its history.

The Beemster Story:

  • The Birth of a Polder: The Beemster story is a captivating tale of human ingenuity overcoming nature’s challenges. Originally a marshland, this area was transformed into a polder in the 17th century.

  • Beemster: A Historical Pioneer: This groundbreaking project, led by engineer Hendrick de Groot, marked the first successful attempt to reclaim land from a lake in the Netherlands.

  • A 17th Century Marvel: The 1600s saw the Dutch embarking on ambitious land reclamation projects, and the Beemster polder stands as a remarkable example.

Discovering the Charm of the Beemster:

The Beemster Polder is a stunning example of the Netherlands’ unique landscape. Imagine perfectly ordered fields, canals crisscrossing through a flat landscape, and the iconic windmills marking the land with their historical presence. This 17th-century creation reflects the Dutch people’s deep connection to the land and their mastery of engineering in a region known for its water management prowess.

Things To Do in the Beemster:

The Beemster is not just a beautiful sight; it offers a variety of experiences for visitors.

  • Explore the History:

    • Visit the Beemster Windmill, a majestic landmark that showcases the intricate system used to pump water from the polder and control the flooding through its impressive blades and canals.

  • Discover the Landscape:

    • Take a bike ride along the winding canal paths, exploring the charming villages and landscapes of the polder.

  • Experience the Culture:

    • Visit the Beemster Museum (the “Poldermuseum”) for a deeper dive into the history of this historic polder, its unique landscape, and the traditional Dutch way of life.

  • Embrace the Outdoors:

    • Enjoy the serene beauty of the Beemster landscape by visiting one of the many parks or nature reserves within the polder.

  • Wander through the “Cheese Village”: Explore the charming village of Schermerhorn, which is renowned for its traditional Dutch architecture and picturesque canals.

  • Discover the Cheese Market: Experience the lively atmosphere of the Beemster cheese market, held on Tuesdays from April to September. * Beyond the Basics:

The Beemster experience goes beyond just the visual impact of the landscape. Here are some deeper dives:

  • Learn about the “polder” system:

The polder’s history is intricately woven into its landscape. The story of the Beemster cheese, a renowned delicacy, dates back to the 17th century and the ingenious engineering that made this land accessible for agriculture in the first place.

  • Explore the canals:

The network of canals within the polder offers beautiful scenic routes for cycling or walking. Discover the history of these waterways and the role they played in creating the unique landscape.

  • Discover the Cheesemaking Tradition:

Learn about the traditional Dutch art of cheesemaking at a local cheese farm, like the one at the “Cheese Museum” in the village of Beemster.

  • Embrace the culinary scene:

Enjoy delicious meals at the charming restaurants in the Beemster and sample their unique cheeses.

  • Explore the local history:

The Beemster’s charm lies in its historical significance. Visit the “Beemster” museum, which is housed in a beautifully restored farmhouse and showcases the local history of this region.

  • Discover the history of the cheesemaking industry:

Learn about the fascinating process of cheesemaking, explore the different types of cheeses made in the Beemster, and even taste some traditional Dutch treats.

The “Cheese Villages”:

The Beemster polder is a fantastic place to experience the Dutch way of life, with its charming villages and bustling canalside activity.

  • Experience the “Cheese Villages”:

Visit the village of Beemster (and other nearby towns) that are now home to a variety of artisanal cheesemakers. This unique aspect of the Beemster’s identity adds to its appeal, showcasing the Dutch dedication to a craft deeply ingrained in their history.

The “Cheese Villages”:

  • Enjoy the local culture: The Beemster is known for its beautiful historic architecture, including charming cottages and windmills that were crucial to the polder’s development.

Beyond the Cheese:

While the cheesemaking process may be the main attraction, the Beemster offers a lot more:

  • Cycling paths: The polder has extensive cycling paths, perfect for exploring the rolling hills and picturesque landscapes.

  • Nature walks: Discover the unique flora and fauna of the Beemster polder on its numerous walking trails.

  • Visit the “17th-century” villages:

The area is dotted with charming villages that showcase the traditional Dutch way of life, such as:

  • De Rijp: This town has a rich history in cheesemaking and boasts a charming canalside setting.

  • Explore the local landscape: The polder’s canals are not just for transportation; they are also for the beauty.

The “Cheese Villages”:

  • Experience the Dutch countryside: Explore the beautiful rolling hills and fields of the De Beemster region on foot or by bike, enjoying the peace and quiet of the countryside.
  • Discover the local culture**:

The villages of Edam and Volendam, both in the province of North Holland, are known for their traditional charm and picturesque scenery.

Experience the Dutch countryside: Enjoy the rolling hills and fields of the De Beemster region on foot or by bike.

  • Cycling routes: Explore the polder’s beauty with dedicated cycling routes that pass through charming villages and scenic landscapes.

  • Historical sites: Cycle along the “Cheese Route”, a network of trails connecting traditional Dutch villages, allowing you to experience the history of the region.

  • Explore the Cheese Market:

Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the polders.

Beyond the Netherlands:

The “Cheese Villages” are not just a local attraction. They are part of a larger landscape and cultural context.

The story of the cheesemakers:

Learn about the history of these villages, including the “Cheese Factories” in the area. The Beemster polder is a testament to the Dutch mastery of water management.

The Beemster Polder: A Unique Landscape:

  • Visit the Beemster Cheese Factory:

  • Learn about the traditional methods of cheesemaking.

  • Experience the “Cheese Villages” in a new light: The “cheese villages” of North Holland are not just places to learn about a local industry, but also about the history and ingenuity of the Dutch people. The area around the polder is renowned for its scenic beauty and traditional craftsmanship.

A Day at the Cheese Market:

  • Experience the charm of the Beemster: The villages in the “Cheese Factories” region are known for their charming canals, cobblestone streets, and traditional Dutch architecture.
  • Visit the local cheesemaking museum:

Located on the picturesque Edam-Volendam route, you can learn about the history of this industry.

  • Enjoy a fresh, delicious taste of the past:

The Edam cheese market is a fascinating place to experience the region’s historical significance.

Learn about the cheesemaking process:

  • Visit the “Cheese Factories” in the Netherlands:

Experience traditional Dutch cheesemaking techniques and history in the region.

  • Explore the polder landscape:

The “Cheese Villages” are not just a tourist attraction, they are part of a historical tapestry.

Beyond the Cheese: A Historical Look at the Landscape:

  • Explore the history:

Learn about the history of the region and how it was reclaimed from the sea.

  • Visit local cheesemakers:

See the “Cheese Factories” process firsthand, witness their traditional methods and the unique landscape they created.

  • Enjoy the “cheese route”:

Discover the “Cheese Factories” and experience the cultural heritage of the area.

The Cheesemaking Legacy:

  • Learn about the history of the Dutch polder system:

  • Explore the canals and traditional architecture:

  • Experience the local culture and history:

  • Enjoy the scenic beauty: Explore the picturesque villages, windmills, and the unique landscape.