The Alkmaardermeer from a tea garden

A tea garden as a starting and ending point is of course never gone. Add to that a beautiful environment such as the Alkmaardermeer and you have the recipe for a wonderful day out.

The Alkmaar Lake
North Holland was once nothing more than a large patchwork of swamps and peat bogs. Much of the peat has been excavated for centuries for the extraction of peat. It resulted in even more puddles and watercourses. Most of that marshy ground has been drained with mills, but some lakes were allowed to continue to ripple. Like the Alkmaardermeer. Many water sports are practiced. From a bench you can take a look at all those pleasure boats and surfers at your leisure.

West Knollendam
You drive through a landscape of tightly divided polders and extensive peat meadow areas. You can still see windmills here, just like those typical long plots, lush reed strips and of course the Dutch skies. This varied route leads you past another typical Dutch picture: the Beemster with its historic villages. You will pass through Middenbeemster, the oldest village in this polder. The route ends at the cozy Tea Garden Spierenburgh.