Visitors to Wieringerwerf will find a range of themes to explore during their stay: polder history, church architecture, agriculture, woodland and cycling. The history of the village is linked to the reclamation of the polder and later flood events. You can tailor your trip to your interests in local history, nature or agriculture.
A young village and its churches
Wieringerwerf was established in 1931, a year after the polder was drained. Two churches offer different perspectives on the history of architecture. The De Samenstroom church building was designed by architect E.J. Rothuizen in 1938 and rebuilt in 1947 after sustaining severe war damage. The Christus Koningkerk was consecrated in 1940 and is associated with the Delft School of architecture.
The Christus Koningkerk is used for Catholic services and celebrations, including weekly services, baptisms, communions, confirmations and funerals. Free coffee is served there on Friday mornings for people from the neighbourhood. Alongside its architectural significance, the church therefore serves a religious purpose and offers something for the local community. For travellers, these provide different ways to connect with village life; the architecture and the church’s community role each tell a different story.
Agriculture and regional produce
The Bezoekboerderij “Leven van de Wind” gives visitors an insight into the life and work of a modern farmer in the polder region. The farm grows potatoes, onions, wheat and sugar beet. Its energy is generated using a wind turbine and solar panels. These details bring the farm’s agricultural focus to life: arable farming and energy generation are both part of the picture of a modern farm. If you are planning a visit, it is a good idea to check visiting arrangements in advance.
The Boerderijwinkel Wieringerwerf farm shop sells Beemster cheese, pasture-raised meat and milk from its own cows. You can stop for fresh coffee or tea and a slice of apple pie. The two agricultural attractions therefore offer different experiences: the Bezoekboerderij offers insight into a farmer’s work, while the farm shop focuses on produce and a place to stop for refreshments. If you have a particular product in mind, it is best to check what is currently available, as stock and operating details may change.
Woodland and wetland
You can enjoy walks and cycle rides amid varied natural surroundings in the Robbenoordbos. The trees include black alders and downy birches, and many kinds of fungi also grow there. The Dijkgatbos offers a different landscape: this small natural area consists of reed beds and wet woodland that have formed around bodies of water. These were created by the 1945 dike breach. For those who want to focus on nature, the two areas offer contrasting landscapes: woodland with walking and cycling routes, and wetland vegetation around water.
Cycling route and the history of the dike breach
The “Fietsen over de Wieringermeerpolder” cycling route starts on the outskirts of Wieringerwerf and runs through the Wieringermeerpolder to the small villages of Aartswoud, Lambertschaag and Opperdoes. It offers a route-based perspective on the polder and connects the starting point with several named villages. Check the current route before setting off, as details may change.
The Uitkijkpunt Gat in de dijk is also linked to the history of the flooding. It is located at the site where the Noorderdijk was blown up during the Second World War, flooding the Wieringermeer. An access path to the old dike was planned, with a view of the water and the foundations of a farm at the site of the former dike breach. If you are planning to visit the viewpoint, check in advance whether the proposed path is currently accessible.
The attractions can be grouped according to your interests: the cycling route crosses the polder and passes through small villages, while the natural areas range from woodland to wetlands. The churches, rebuilding and dike breach provide the cultural and historical context.
Discover more destinations: Slootdorp.
See the wider travel overview: Wieringermeer.
