Discover Opperdoes: village church, railway heritage and potato culture

Opperdoes brings together the history of a late Gothic village church, the heritage of the local railway and a distinctive potato-growing tradition. When planning a trip to Opperdoes, you can focus on your interests in architectural history, railways, landscapes and regional produce. These different themes offer varied perspectives without reducing the village to a single attraction.

Village Church, Local History and Art

The late Gothic Dorpskerk van Opperdoes was probably rebuilt after Grote Pier plundered the village in 1517. Inside is an elaborately decorated pulpit dating from 1688. Behind the church is the restored former boiler house, Kerkeboetje, which visitors may enter as a quiet space. The church and Kerkeboetje represent different aspects of the village: on the one hand, architectural history; on the other, the present-day use of a former outbuilding as a peaceful space.

Local remembrance also includes a memorial stone unveiled in 2012 in the wall of the Dorpshuis. It is dedicated to a resistance group connected with the approximately 100 people who went into hiding in the village during the war. Most neighbourhoods have active residents’ associations. Traditionally, the associations decorate their neighbourhoods every five years for Koningsdag and for the commemorations on 4 and 5 May. This recurring tradition complements the village’s physical memorials with a community aspect of village life.

There are several other ways to explore books, photographs and art. During opening hours, 't Oûwe Jeugdgeboûw provides access to a library and archive containing old books from Opperdoes, yearbooks and photographs. It also hosts a monthly exhibition. Gallery De Pieper presents exhibitions of glass and ceramic art. Those interested in local memorabilia or different art forms can therefore explore a range of subjects under one roof and in a gallery.

Railway Heritage and Routes Through the Surrounding Area

Opperdoes station building was completed in 1887 together with the Hoorn–Medemblik local railway and remained in operation until passenger services ended in 1935. It is one of eight surviving station buildings along the local railway; originally there were ten. These dates place the building in the history of the railway, covering both the joint construction of the line and its stations and the end of passenger services.

Another railway connection is the “Authentieke mijl” between Twisk and Opperdoes. This section of the local railway has been carefully recreated to look as it did about 100 years ago. Alongside the railway heritage, there is the “Rondje Medemblik” walking route, which follows the Westfriese Omringdijk towards Twiske and returns via Opperdoes. If you plan to take this route, check the current route details in advance. Opperdoes and its surroundings also offer numerous cycling and walking routes, lakes and canals, as well as various nearby nature areas for sport and recreation.

Opperdoezer Ronde and the Local Landscape

The Opperdoezer Ronde is a potato that may be grown only in Opperdoes in North Holland. In the village, potatoes of this variety are still harvested by hand. Visitors can sample the potato locally at the Opperdoezer Ronde Toko. This links the agricultural tradition with a tangible opportunity to discover the local speciality; unlike the architectural and railway heritage, the focus here is on a food product.

Opperdoes is also known for its so-called “vaarboerderijen” (water-access farms). Alongside the potato, they offer another connection to local agriculture and the landscape. Together with the village church, station building, and the archive, exhibitions and memorials, they provide a range of themes to guide your trip planning.

Discover more destinations: Twisk, Nibbixwoud, Abbekerk, Wognum, Medemblik, Benningbroek, Oostwoud

Return to the main travel overview: Medemblik.