Wijdewormer a name that might not immediately ring a bell. Yet it holds stories of transformation resilience and a unique Dutch spirit. This hamlet nestled in the province of North Holland boasts a rich history. It was once a separate municipality. Now Wijdewormer is part of Wormerland.
Picture this: the year is 1626. The area now known as Wijdewormer was a large inland sea called Wormermeer. Imagine fishermen casting their nets from the village of Neck. Neck is today a small community within Wijdewormer. The transformation began. The Dutch started the process of poldering. They reclaimed land from the water. In 1626 the Wijde Wormer polder was completed. It spanned 1666 hectares. Unlike many other polders in North Holland Wijdewormer was filled with fresh water. There was no direct connection to the sea. No ebb and flow.
During the 17th century Wijdewormer became a vital source of grain for the Zaanstreek. Ships were built here. The area flourished. Then came the storm surge of 1825. Wijdewormer suffered greatly. A dike broke. A devastating flood ensued. But the people of Wijdewormer persevered. They rebuilt and innovated. In 1878 a steam pumping station was installed. It efficiently drained the polder. By 1881 the windmills were no longer needed. They were sold for scrap.
Tragedy struck again during World War II. In the final days of the war Pieter Slooten a resistance fighter was executed by the German occupiers. This happened without trial on March 8 1945. A monument in the hamlet of Neck stands in his memory.
Today Wijdewormer offers a peaceful escape. Many monumental farmhouses and villas dot the landscape. They are especially along the Noorderweg and Zuiderweg. In the 21st century more affluent people moved here. They came from nearby cities. They sought tranquility space and easy access to the A7 motorway Amsterdam and Zaanstad.
The Noorderweg cuts through Neck. Here you will find both new and old buildings. The Ringvaart of the Wijdewormer surrounds the polder. It connects to the Zaan via the Braak and to the Noordhollandsch Kanaal via the Neckerhop.
For recreation Wijdewormer offers much. There are cycling and walking routes that lead to surrounding nature areas and towns. Near the Neckermolen is a marina on the Zwarteweg. It provides access to waterways towards Alkmaardermeer the Zaan and the Noordhollandskanaal. In Neck you can find Mario Uva’s famous restaurant. The Neckermolen built in 1631 is also there. Also a tea garden can be visited. On the Zuiderweg is an 18-hole golf course.
Every summer Wijdewormer and Neck celebrate a festive week. The Oranjecomité organizes it. A “drekrees” or ditch race is a highlight. Visitors come from all over the region. During the week neighborhood associations compete in various contests. A playback show and a six-team competition on Sunday are the main events.
Wijdewormer is also a sports hub. The modern AFAS training complex and AZ Youth Academy of the AZ football club are located here. The KNVB recognizes the AFAS complex as an international football academy. Wijdewormer also has the DZS football club. It is based at a sports complex near Neck. Neck also has a tennis club. The Zaanse Golf Club has an 18-hole golf course with A status.
Wijdewormer a place where history nature and community intertwine. Its story is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Dutch people. It is a story of reclamation adaptation and remembrance.