“Uitgeest,” a voice calls out, “ever heard of it?” Uitgeest is a municipality and town in the Netherlands. It resides in the province of North Holland. Today, we’ll explore some of what makes Uitgeest special.
Uitgeest is home to several smaller towns and districts. These include Assum, Busch en Dam, Groot Dorregeest, Kleis, and Waldijk. Each offers its own unique charm.
The local government of Uitgeest consists of a municipal council. This council has 15 seats. These seats were divided in the 2022 municipal elections.
One of Uitgeest’s claims to fame involves windmills. No fewer than five windmills dot the polder landscape surrounding the village. Uitgeest was the birthplace of Cornelis Corneliszoon. Born in 1550, he invented the wind-powered sawmill. An industrial heritage park is under construction. It is centered on the sawmill De Hoop.
Uitgeest boasts a Reformed church. This church dates back to the early 14th Century. The village also features a lakeside marina.
Getting to and around Uitgeest is relatively easy. The village has a railway station. Four trains per hour serve this station. A trip to Amsterdam takes about 20 minutes. Highways N8/A8 and A9 are close to Uitgeest. Amsterdam is about 15 minutes away by car.
Uitgeest has been home to several notable residents. Cornelis Corneliszoon van Uitgeest invented the wind-powered sawmill. Willem Blaeu was a Dutch cartographer, atlas maker, and publisher. Hessel Gerritsz was a Dutch engraver, cartographer, and publisher. Jaap Knol competed at the 1928 Summer Olympics as a javelin thrower. Peter Smit is a children’s writer. Niels Kokmeijer is a former footballer and manager. Thijs Sluijter is a retired footballer.
Uitgeest offers a glimpse into Dutch history and innovation. From its windmills to its notable residents, the village has a rich heritage. The landscape is dotted with windmills. Uitgeest provides a unique experience for tourists.