Explore Broek op Langedijk

This route takes you through the Broek op Langedijk area. This West Frisian village is nationally known for the Broeker Veiling, the monumental wooden auction building from 1912. In this auction, horticultural products were the first in the Netherlands to be auctioned at auction. Today this building is a museum where you can still see a historic auction clock.

Around Broek op Langedijk you cycle through horticultural areas and old picturesque towns. In the polder you regularly see an antique West Frisian farmhouse. You will soon pass through Sint Pancras, a village located on an old beach wall. In the thirteenth century the village of Vronen was still located here. After a battle between rebellious West Frisians and the armies of Holland and Zeeland, Vronen was completely destroyed. Only later was Sint Pancras built on the ruins.

In Oudorp, a centuries-old town that is now part of Alkmaar, you will pass the Ambachtsmolen, a polder mill from 1632. A little further on you will cycle over the Huygendijk, which is part of the famous West Frisian Omringdijk. You will pass the Polder Museum Heerhugowaard where you will learn more about the origins and sometimes turbulent history of this area. The museum is housed in the former polder house, which is under one roof with an old pumping station.

The last part of the route takes you through the Kleimeer nature reserve. This former lake was drained by mills as early as 1567. The area was then used for agriculture for centuries, today it is a moist meadow area where birds such as reed bunting, bearded man and water rail breed. In the summer, marsh harriers lurk here from the air for prey.