Beinsdorp

Nestled along the Ringvaart, about 7 kilometers southwest of Hoofddorp, lies the charming village of Beinsdorp. But Beinsdorp wasn’t always a village. It began as an island in the Haarlemmer Lake, the largest among its neighboring islands, Vennip and Abbenes. Imagine the scene: a solitary island amidst a vast expanse of water, home to a small, close-knit community. The year 1851 marks the first official mention of Beinsdorp, its name meaning “Ben’s village”. This Ben, however, remains a mystery, lost to the annals of time. After the lake was drained in 1852, Beinsdorp transitioned from island to village, initially called Hillegommerbuurt. Its population peaked at 1140 in 1950, then gradually declined. In more recent times, Beinsdorp’s population has fluctuated. In 2021 it was recorded as 995. By 2023, it briefly rose to 1020, only to settle back down to 1000 in 2024. Today, Beinsdorp boasts a population of around 1000 residents and covers an area of 2.41 square kilometers. The village sits at an elevation of -3.2 meters, a testament to its history as a former island in a drained lake. While strolling through Beinsdorp, you might stumble upon “Het Eiland,” the village hall, originally built in 1966 and rebuilt in 1995. Its name, “The Island,” serves as a poignant reminder of Beinsdorp’s watery origins. The shops that once dotted the village streets are now gone, disappearing by 1975. Until 1985, Beinsdorp retained a T-shape, with buildings lining the Hillegommerdijk and Venneperweg. New streets like Rietkraag and Graanhuis, and a small neighborhood behind the Hillegommerdijk, were later additions. If you are a horse enthusiast, Beinsdorp holds a special treat. Stal Jasper, a beautiful riding school located on Hillegommerdijk, offers lessons, boarding for horses and ponies, and even a shop. They also host special events. If you have children, consider celebrating their birthday at Stal Jasper. For those seeking a taste of local life, Proeflokaal Bregje is the perfect spot for a delicious meal. On sunny days, its terrace on Rietkraag offers a relaxing atmosphere. If you’re visiting during the early summer, don’t miss Local Live, a free music festival organized by the village council and a resident. Beinsdorp’s journey from a lonely island in the Haarlemmer Lake to a vibrant village is a testament to the resilience and community spirit of its people. Its unique history, coupled with the warmth of its residents, makes Beinsdorp a truly special place to visit.