Oosthuizen lies in an extensive polder landscape surrounded by waterways and green fields. Het Schooltje van Dik Trom is a distinctive cultural landmark: a children's book museum in a unique former one-room schoolhouse. A characteristic landscape and a specific literary history thus offer different themes for a trip to Oosthuizen.
Culture, literature and churches
C. Joh. Kieviet taught at Het Schooltje van Dik Trom from 1883 to 1902. He wrote his first book about Dik Trom in the adjacent teacher's house. The museum displays various editions of the Dik Trom books, other books by C. Joh. Kieviet, and children's books from before 1940. The building, the teacher's story and the collection each offer a distinct connection to children's literature.
The Grote Kerk Oosthuizen houses the pipework and case of a 15th-century organ. The church also regularly hosts cultural events, including classical concerts and exhibitions. Visits are possible during opening hours and by appointment; check in advance which option is currently available.
The De Waterwolf Archaeological Mini-Museum presents finds and tells the story of the lost settlement of Etersheim, the struggle against the sea and the formation of the landscape. Its themes range from archaeological objects to the history of a settlement and its surroundings. If you plan to visit the mini-museum, check its current opening arrangements.
The Etersheimer Braakmolen, also known as Museummolen De Breek, was put back into operation in 2005 after a six-year restoration. Visits inside and seeing the mill in operation are subject to the venue's current arrangements. A visit thus combines a look at the historic building with its function as a mill.
Polder landscape and routes
The Toeristisch Overstappunt Oosthuizen is a starting point for walking and cycling routes through polders and along waterways. The 10.6-kilometre Kogen- en brakenroute starts in Oosthuizen; access to some sections is seasonal. The Fietsroute door de Beemster en langs de Kust passes through Oosthuizen. The Pontjesroute runs through meadows and uses two hand-operated cable ferries; its accessibility is also seasonal.
The Kerkenroute passes through seven distinctive village churches in Kwadijk, Middelie, Oosthuizen, Beets, Schardam, Etersheim and Warder. At the stops, QR codes provide brief historical information as well as photos and videos. Digital content may change; check the route conditions before setting off.
In the wider area around Oosthuizen, the Kogen- en brakenroute passes the Oosterkoog wetland on the edge of the Markermeer. The area is known for overwintering whimbrels and black-tailed godwits present in spring. This links two different seasons: whimbrels as winter visitors and black-tailed godwits in spring. Sightings vary seasonally.
Bezoekerscentrum en Poldercafé De Breek is a visitor centre with a terrace on the Markermeer dike. Singing birds and grazing sheep can be found in the surrounding area. Visitor facilities and opening arrangements may change, so check what is currently available before visiting.
The wider region
The broader travel area of the former Zeevang region is characterised by reed beds, small country lanes, meadow birds and elongated villages with stolp farmhouses and wooden houses. Cycling, walking and canoeing are possible there, with views of the Markermeer. This regional perspective complements Oosthuizen's polder landscape with further landscape and village features.
Discover more destinations: Middelie, Schardam, Warder, Beets, Kwadijk.
Go to the main travel overview: Zeevang.
