Ever wonder what it’s like to step back in time? We are standing in De Woude. This village offers a serene escape from the hustle of Amsterdam. De Woude is a place where the clock seems to tick a little slower.
De Woude is located on an island. It lies in the Alkmaardermeer. The village is part of the municipality of Castricum. It sits about 9 kilometers south of Alkmaar.
Until 2002, De Woude belonged to Akersloot. Reaching De Woude is part of the adventure. A ferry is the only way to access this tranquil island.
De Woude has a unique charm. If you think De Woude is boring, you are wrong. The island has a rich history and a vibrant community. Despite its small size, De Woude offers plenty to discover.
The Dutch Reformed church is named De Kemphaan. It is a small wooden church. Villagers rebuilt it in 2002. The original 16th-century church had fallen into disrepair. The inhabitants of De Woude wanted a village house. Today, the church hosts meetings and cultural events. It can even be rented for weddings and parties.
De Woude came to be on an island because of businessmen. These businessmen wanted their businesses in Wormerveer to connect to a broad sales market.
These energetic manufacturers successfully lobbied for a good water connection. It would connect to the Noord-Hollands Kanaal. In 1849, a new canal section was dug. It connected Wormerveer to the Noord-Hollands Kanaal via the Markervaart. This new canal cut the former Wouderpolder in two. The Westwouderpolder became an island.
Erik Luik says, ‘You still have farmland there with the horizon in the distance.’ He describes the centuries-old landscape around De Woude.
The landscape around De Woude has been well preserved. The Westwouderpolder became an island. Dairy farming lagged behind the rest of the country. The original plot pattern from hundreds of years ago remains. No land consolidation has taken place here.
De Woude invites exploration. You can walk around the island. It is about 7 or 8 kilometers. It is impossible to get lost. You can endlessly look out over meadows and water. In the distance, you will see the silhouette of a church tower. It is probably that of Uitgeest.
After a walk, relax at one of De Woude’s waterside cafes. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and reflect on the island’s unique charm. There are only about 160 residents. The village has no more than three streets. They end at the vast meadow.
De Woude has a special status because of its location. It is as if the island accidentally drifted away from Akersloot and Uitgeest.
De Woude offers a glimpse into the past. It is a reminder of a simpler way of life. As you leave De Woude, carry with you the tranquility. Remember the beauty of this hidden gem. Let the charm of De Woude stay with you long after you have left its shores.