Noordbeemster, Oosthuizen and Warder

This route leads through Noord- and Middenbeemster, around the village of Oosthuizen. In the Golden Age, many country estates were built in this region, often by VOC merchants. A number of stately country estates still remain, but the agricultural sector has also developed strongly in this area. The many sturdy, historic bell-shaped farmhouses indicate that the soil is very fertile. This is thanks to the 17th century De Beemster polder. With its rich history, the area is part of the Laag-Holland National Landscape. Due to its special cultural and historical values, the Beemster has even been included in the UNESCO world heritage list. Mill De Nachtegaal is located in Midden Beemster. The octagonal ground sailor was probably built in 1704 and replaced another mill. Until 1960, De Nachtegaal regularly ground corn, but then it came to a standstill and the mill fell into disrepair. Since 2006 it has stood with its rods bare. The Etersheimerbraak polder mill in Oosthuizen was once built to drain the Braakpolder. After a fire and the arrival of a pumping station, the mill was truncated and put out of operation. A foundation ensured that the screw polder mill was rebuilt and has been running again since 2005. A visitors center in the mill barn is open to the public. Would you like to know more about the best kept secrets of Laag Holland? Then surf to www.laagholland.com and be inspired.