Discover Zuidoostbeemster

Zuidoostbeemster combines a polder landscape shaped by cultural history with the development of a village and a rich horticultural heritage. The landscape, historic architectural styles and walking or cycling routes offer different ways to explore the area during your stay. The variety of trees and shrubs, as well as cheese and farm products, also feature among the things you can discover here.

Polder landscape and regional architectural history

The culturally significant polder layout of Zuidoostbeemster is part of both the Beemster World Heritage Site and the Stelling van Amsterdam. Its defining features include the ring dike and ring canal, with their continuity and uniform design. The openness of the landscape and the Kopergravure ditches are also important cultural-historical features.

In the wider Beemster area, the landscape layout established in 1612, straight roads, rows of trees and stolp-style farmhouses are still clearly visible. A village gradually developed in Zuidoostbeemster from 1850 onward. The first generation of farmhouses was somewhat smaller than the better-known Beemster farmhouses, with their characteristic stolp roofs. Between 1918 and 1940, new horticultural workers’ houses and retirement homes were built along Purmerenderweg, Zuiderweg, Jacobus Boumanlaan and Wouter Sluislaan.

Horticulture, houses and the history of the forts

From 1890 onward, horticulture grew considerably in Zuidoostbeemster. By 1921, the number of horticultural businesses had quadrupled to 229. This development is one of the area’s historic changes, adding an agricultural and horticultural perspective to its older polder history.

The forts also tell the story of the landscape’s defense. Fort Benoorden Purmerend was built to protect the Beemster ring dike, as well as Purmerenderweg and Rijperweg in Beemster. Fort aan de Nekkerweg was intended to prevent an enemy from advancing easily along two elevated roads. The forts mentioned are thus connected in different ways to the defense of Beemster and its roads.

Walking and cycling routes

The Rondje Zuidoostbeemster walking route is 10 kilometers long. Check the latest route information before setting out. For a longer cycling route, try the Wormer- en Jisperveld route: it passes Fort aan de Jisperweg via a detour through Beemster and is 32 or 44 kilometers long. The Beemster Fortenfietsroute lets you explore the Hollandse Waterlinies and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Droogmakerij De Beemster by bike. The routes range from a 10-kilometer walk to a 32- or 44-kilometer cycling route; the Fortenfietsroute has a particular focus on the waterlines and the World Heritage Site.

Trees, wellness and farm products

De Biotheek, formerly known as Beemster Arboretum, is home to more than 2,600 tree and shrub species. De Biotheek offers the option of a guided tour or presentation by its manager, BomenBram; check booking requirements and availability before your trip. Fort Resort Beemster offers wellness in the distinctive atmosphere of a former fort in the Stelling van Amsterdam.

The Beemster kaaswagen offers cheeses ranging from young to very mature, including a variety of herb cheeses. On open days, visitors can learn about the process from cow to cheese at the farm. Check the latest arrangements before visiting; the product range may change. The De Liefde farm shop sells fresh vegetables, fruit, potatoes and fodder beets. For the latest visitor information, check the farm shop’s social media channels.

Discover more destinations: Noordbeemster, Middenbeemster.

Go to the main travel overview: Beemster.