What do you know about a village that owes its existence to water? This is Lijnden. It is a village in the Dutch province of North Holland. Lijnden is part of the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. It lies about 10 km west of Amsterdam.
Lijnden is named after one of three pumping stations. These stations reclaimed the municipality of Haarlemmermeer between 1848 and 1852. The village was first mentioned in 1867. Lijnden refers to Frans van Lynden van Hemmen. He outlined the plan for the poldering of the Haarlemmermeer lake. Lijnden developed shortly after 1852. It grew at the intersection of the Hoofdvaart with the Ringdijk.
The iconic Gemaal de Lynden pumping station dominates Lijnden. It stands as a monument to Haarlemmermeer’s watery past. The first pumping station emptied the Haarlemmermeer between 1849 and 1852. It worked with the De Cruquius and De Leeghwater pumping stations.
Officially called Gemaal de Lynden, the historic steam pumping station is a sight to behold. It ceased operation in 2005. A new pumping station replaced it. The new De Lynden pumping station stands next to the old one. Built in 2005, it has three pumps. It boasts a capacity of 1275 m3 per minute. This is more than half the old pumping station’s capacity. The old neo-Gothic steam pumping station has been preserved. It is now a national monument.
Lijnden also features significant religious structures. The Catholic St Franciscus van Sales Church is a three-aisled church. It has a wooden tower. It was built between 1858 and 1860 in neoclassic style. The Dutch Reformed church is an aisleless church. It has a ridge turret. Built in 1936, it is connected to the clergy house.
Lijnden was home to the oldest primary school in Haarlemmermeer. School 1 was established in 1861. Sadly, it closed in 1994 due to a lack of pupils.
Did you know Corendon Dutch Airlines has its head office in Lijnden? The Amsterdam branch office of Corendon Airlines is also here.
Lijnden offers more than just its pumping station. Farm shop Gijzenberg sells fresh fruit and vegetables all year round. You can even harvest your own sweet corn. It’s a fun and educational activity, especially for kids.
Located above Schiphol, Lijnden is next to Badhoevedorp and Amsterdam-West. It is a perfect base. You can easily reach Amsterdam for a fun day out. You can enjoy a mini-holiday in your own country.
So, as you leave Lijnden, remember its history. Think of the innovative engineering that shaped this land. Think about how water was tamed. Consider how a small village played a big role in creating the Haarlemmermeer we know today.