Welcome to Uitgeest, a village where the water is never far away. Situated on the beautiful Lake Uitgeestermeer and surrounded by green polders and centuries-old dykes, Uitgeest exudes the charm of the North Holland countryside. Here, you can experience nature, culture and history in a single day packed with adventure.
Gemeente Uitgeest
History that comes alive
Uitgeest has a rich history that is still visible everywhere. Did you know that the village lies within the catchment area of the Oer-IJ, the ancient northern branch of the Rhine that once flowed into the sea at Castricum? The river no longer exists, but its traces are still clearly visible in the rolling landscape, the creeks and the peat ponds. A visit to De Hoop Heritage Park brings history to life. In the restored timber shed on the Uitgeestermeer, you’ll learn all about the Oer-IJ, shipbuilding and the village’s most famous resident: Cornelis Corneliszoon van Uitgeest, inventor of the sawmill.
Forts and windmills full of stories
Uitgeest is rich in heritage and boasts not one, but two forts that form part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fort aan den Ham takes you back to military life around 1910, and at Fort K’IJK an interactive audio tour tells the story of the Defence Line and the people who lived and worked here.
Uitgeest is also a paradise for mill enthusiasts. Five historic mills dot the landscape, including De Tweede Broekermolen (1631), De Dorregeester (1896) and the modern sawmill De Corneliszoon.
Bustling with water and nature
When you say Uitgeest, you say water. The Uitgeestermeer is the ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers and families. Hire a canoe, SUP or sailing boat, or opt for a relaxing boat trip along the banks. On the beaches of Dorregeest and Zwaansmeer, you can enjoy the sun, sand and fun. Children can swim safely, play and build sandcastles, whilst parents relax on the grassy areas or by the water. Along the lake are cosy marinas and terraces where you can enjoy a bite to eat, a drink and the view of the rippling water and the setting sun.
Explore at your own pace
Uitgeest is the perfect base for a day out in nature. Cycle or walk along winding dykes, past forts and windmills, or follow one of the routes through the Oer-IJ landscape. Everywhere you go, you can savour the peace and space of the North Holland countryside.
Plan your route and discover why Uitgeest is known as the water heart of North Holland, a place where history, nature and adventure come together.
Routes in and around Uitgeest
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Culinaire route Heemskerk
The Heemskerk Culinary Route introduces you to the countryside surrounding this green village.
- Start location
- Heemskerk
- Distance
- 12.3 km
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Dorregeesterpolderroute (rood)
The Dorregeesterpolder Route (red) runs along the shores of Lake Uitgeest in Uitgeest. From the viewpoint close to the route, you have a beautiful view of the lake. At the wetland area, you can choose...
- Start location
- Uitgeest
- Distance
- 6.2 km
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Dorregeesterpolderroute
To the northeast of Uitgeest you will find the Dorregeesterpolder, a lesser-known but beautiful part of the Alkmaarder- en Uitgeestermeer recreational area. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy the nature, the wind in your hair, and the surprising views across the water.
- Start location
- Uitgeest
- Distance
- 6.0 km
-
De Crommenijeroute (9,5 km)
A trip for lovers of cultural history, old lakes, reed beds, and low farm bridges. Due to the thick reed beds, there is little wind and few waves.
- Start location
- Uitgeest
- Distance
- 9.5 km
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Bankjesparade Heemskerk — Wandeling langs 18 kunstzinnige bankjes
Walk 10.5 km through Heemskerk past 18 unique art benches — a surprising mix of art in public space, nature, and village atmosphere in the IJmond.
- Start location
- Heemskerk
- Distance
- 10.5 km
Weather forecast for Uitgeest
Overcast, 15.5°C
Wind speed: 4.4 knots / 8.2 km/h
Wind direction: West
The weather in Uitgeest
In Uitgeest, every season offers a different experience. In spring, the landscape around the Alkmaardermeer and Uitgeestermeer turns a fresh shade of green once more, and walkers and cyclists take to the dykes. In summer, it’s all about the water: sailing, stand-up paddleboarding or simply enjoying the view from a terrace at the marina. Autumn brings tranquillity and beautiful colours to the open peat meadow landscape, and in winter the area takes on a quiet charm, with skaters sometimes even appearing on the lake. In this way, you can discover the open spaces and water-rich character of Uitgeest in every season.