Zuidoostbeemster can be explored through a combination of polder landscapes, horticultural history and regional culture. Water management, village development, the history of the forts, routes and cheese offerings provide different perspectives on the area. Its landscape features are particularly distinctive: from the ring dike and ring canal to the Kopergravure ditches.
Polder Landscape and Historical Context
Zuidoostbeemster’s cultural and historical polder structure is rooted in both the Beemster World Heritage Site and the Stelling van Amsterdam. The ring dike and ring canal are among its defining cultural and historical qualities, thanks to their continuity and uniform design. The openness of the landscape and the Kopergravure ditches are also important features. Together, these elements give the polder landscape different scales: the sweeping lines of the dike and ring canal sit alongside the ditches and open landscape.
In the wider Beemster area, the landscape structure laid out in 1612, straight roads, rows of trees and stolp-style farmhouses are also still clearly visible. This regional perspective adds other characteristic features of the Beemster to the local landscape.
Village Development and the History of the Forts
Zuidoostbeemster gradually developed into a village 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 gardeners’ and retirement homes were built along Purmerenderweg, Zuiderweg, Jacobus Boumanlaan and Wouter Sluislaan. The area’s history therefore encompasses both its gradual development into a village and a later phase of housebuilding along several named streets.
The military history can also be explored through specific defensive roles. Fort Benoorden Purmerend was built to defend the Beemsterring dike, as well as Purmerenderweg and Rijperweg in the Beemster. Fort aan de Nekkerweg was intended to prevent an enemy from easily advancing along two elevated roads. The two forts therefore have different defensive focuses: a dike and named routes in one case, elevated roads in the other.
Walking and Cycling
The Rondje Zuidoostbeemster walking route is 10 kilometres long. Check the latest route information before setting out, as route listings can change. The Wormer- en Jisperveld cycling route offers a detour through the Beemster that passes Fort aan de Jisperweg; the route is listed as either 32 or 44 kilometres long. These different distances provide an initial guide when choosing a tour; plan the time needed separately.
The length and route of the Wormer- en Jisperveld cycling route may be updated by the route authority. Therefore, check the latest information before setting off. Another cycling route has a different theme: the Beemster Fortenfietsroute lets you explore the Hollandse Waterlinies and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Droogmakerij De Beemster by bike. This gives you a choice between a route with a detour and a named fort, and a tour focused on the water lines and World Heritage Site.
Trees, Cheese and Wellness
De Biotheek, formerly known as Beemster Arboretum, features more than 2,600 species of trees and shrubs. A guided tour or presentation by caretaker BomenBram is available. Check booking options and availability before your trip if you plan to take advantage of this offering.
Regional cheese offerings add another distinctive touch. The Beemster kaaswagen sells Beemster cheese ranging from young to extra-aged, as well as various herb cheeses; the selection may change. On open days, visitors can experience the process from cow to cheese-making at the farm. Check the latest visitor information before your visit. Farm shop De Liefde offers fresh vegetables, fruit, potatoes and fodder beets. For the latest visitor information, check its social media channels.
Fort Resort Beemster offers wellness in the distinctive atmosphere of a former fort belonging to the Stelling van Amsterdam. This adds a dedicated wellness focus to the landscape, history and regional food.
Discover more destinations: Middenbeemster, Noordbeemster.
Return to the main travel overview: Beemster.
