Graft lies amid open polder landscape, historic dikes and the water-rich area of the Eilandspolder. The village street, historic buildings and peaceful views of the surrounding polder landscape give a walk two points of focus: the built-up village and the open surroundings. For planning a trip, this means moving between a specific place in the village and the surrounding landscape. Raadhuis Graft and the Zerkenvloer provide a historical focus; polders, dikes and water shape the surroundings.

Village History and Nature Area

The Eilandspolder lies close to Graft. It is a Natura 2000 site because of its abundance of birds and the protected animal and plant species found there. This gives the landscape a clear connection to nature alongside the village’s history. The open polder landscape and historic dikes are part of the area’s character; the protected species and abundance of birds give the Eilandspolder an additional focus of its own. You can therefore experience the character of the village and the nearby nature area as two aspects of a stay.

The former Raadhuis Graft was built in 1613 on the orders of Prince Maurits. The building houses a branch of the In 't Houten Huis Museum, the museum for the Schermereiland. The Raadhuis thus brings together the building’s history and the museum’s regional focus. This connection makes the former town hall a specific point of reference if you are interested in the history of Graft and the Schermereiland.

The Zerkenvloer, a national monument with 152 gravestones, is right next to the Raadhuis. The oldest dates from 1575 and is attributed to Master Dirk Wilre. Compared with the Raadhuis, built in 1613, this date provides a different point of reference: it belongs to a single stone within the site. The Zerkenvloer was fully restored in 2006–2007 and opened as a place for quiet contemplation; there is also an information pillar. The Raadhuis and Zerkenvloer thus offer different historical points of reference: a former town hall and a site with many gravestones.

Walking, Cycling Routes and Boating

A walk in Graft takes in the village street, historic buildings and peaceful views of the surrounding polder landscape. Cycling from Graft offers a different perspective: routes run along the dikes, meadows and villages of the former Schermereiland. The main difference when choosing between these activities is the perspective: a walk focuses on Graft and its surroundings, while the cycling routes take in dikes, meadows and other villages.

Boating near Graft offers another way to experience the landscape around the village, thanks to the nearby Eilandspolder. Compared with walking and cycling, the focus here is on the water-rich surroundings. You can choose an activity based on the perspective you prefer: the village street and historic buildings on a walk, dikes and villages on the cycling routes, or the landscape around Graft by boat. These activities connect different aspects of the destination without requiring them to form a single route.

More Destinations

Also discover: West Graftdijk, De Rijp.

For the overview of the wider area: Graft-De Rijp.