2020 Zaanstreek

Wormerland

Annoesjka Brohm

Where the windmill sails set the rhythm of the wind

Wormerland embodies the pioneering spirit of the Zaan region. In the shadow of the historic warehouses along the Zaan and amongst the iconic windmills, you can sense the industrial history that began here with wind and water power. Every village within the municipality tells its own story, from the stately farmhouses in Jisp to the bustling activity in Wormer, where ship’s biscuits for the whole world once came from. In Wormerland, the past is not tucked away in books, but tangibly present in the landscape of the oldest reclaimed land in the Netherlands.

Paddling through a watery maze of greenery

In Wormerland, the water is your guide. Hop into a canoe or an electric boat and lose yourself in the Wormer- and Jisperveld, the largest contiguous area of peatland meadows in Western Europe. The routes lead you through an endless mosaic of narrow ditches, reed beds and hundreds of little islands where meadow birds reign supreme. Prefer cycling? The paths along the ring dykes offer spectacular views reminiscent of the Dutch Masters. And for a well-deserved break, there’s always an authentic spot: a historic town hall now serving as a rest stop, or a sunny terrace by the water’s edge where the canoes gently tap against the jetty.

A stage for down-to-earth pride and the great outdoors

With a heart that beats for community life and nature, Wormerland buzzes with local energy. Whether it’s the traditional annual fairs, sporting challenges on the water or small-scale concerts in the village churches; here, the good life is celebrated without pretension. Culture lovers enjoy the industrial archaeology along the Zaanwand, whilst those seeking peace find tranquillity in the vast polders. Here, the Zaan’s can-do spirit and the serene calm of the countryside meet at every sunrise over the peatlands.

The quiet areas as your own backyard

Whether you want to spot the rare bittern, sail amongst grazing cows or admire the historic Zaanwand; in Wormerland, nature lies at your feet. The municipality is vast and open, yet the villages offer a warm, intimate sense of security. Sample local flavours at the farm shops, discover the hidden paths through the reeds or gaze out over the endless reflection of the clouds in the canals. In the blink of an eye, you’ll feel the freedom of the countryside, with the dynamism of the city just beyond the horizon.

Wormerland is pure, unpolished and rich in water, with a charm that feels both rugged and fragile. Here you can experience the roots of the Dutch landscape. Choose your route and let yourself be carried away by the tranquillity of the countryside!

Weather forecast for Wormerland

Overcast, 15.5°C

Wind speed: 4.4 knots / 8.2 km/h
Wind direction: West

The weather in Wormerland

Wormerland is a tribute to the Dutch skies in every season. Spring brings a symphony of meadow birds and blooming cuckoo flowers; summer offers endless boat trips through the canals; autumn shrouds the reed beds in a mystical mist; and winter brings a tranquil beauty to the frozen canals – a dream come true for any skating enthusiast.