Fietsroute Weidevogels Wormer- en Jisperveld

Cycle 27 km through the largest peat meadow area in Western Europe. Spot black-tailed godwits, lapwings, and redshanks. Start and end at Tramplein bus station in Purmerend.

Cycle through the heart of the Wormer and Jisperveld

This 27 km long cycle route takes you through the largest continuous peat meadow area in Western Europe. The Wormer- and Jisperveld is a place where nature and human hands have been working together for centuries. You cycle past vast meadows full of meadow birds, along shimmering ditches, and past unique windmills that keep the land dry. A journey you won't forget.

Directions

You start at Tramplein Bus Station in the center of Purmerend. After a few minutes of pedaling, you leave the city behind. You cycle onto the Kanaaldijk, alongside the Noordhollandsch Kanaal. On your right, you see the strict, geometric land division pattern of the Beemster, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To your left, the Wormer- en Jisperveld stretches out: a patchwork of green grass, dark water, and endless sky.

You smell the fresh scent of grass and peat. You hear the call of a black-tailed godwit in the distance. In spring, you see meadow birds rooting in the juicy grass all around you: lapwings taking flight, redshanks chirping, oystercatchers parading. Did you know that no less than 70% of the world's black-tailed godwit population migrates to the Netherlands every year to breed? A substantial portion does so here.

Halfway along the route, you pass the Schaalsmeerpolder. This small polder, reclaimed in 1631, is also known as the 'nursery' of the peat meadow area. Here you will see the most beautiful natural grasslands. Park your bike for a moment at the picnic area at the entrance and enjoy the silence. Afterwards, cycle back to Purmerend via Wormer and past Visitor Centre De Poelboerderij, where you can end the day in the charming town centre.

Highlights along the way

1. Theetuin de Neckermolen – Idyllic tea garden in an old mill just outside Purmerend. Ideal for a high tea or homemade lunch on the go.
2. Meadow windmills in the Wormer and Jisperveld – Dozens of small wooden and steel windmills regulate the water level. They are indispensable for meadow birds and a beautiful part of the landscape.
3. Care and meeting farm Limosahoeve – On the Oudelandsdijk in Spijkerboor. Take a look at the Limosaboetje for local products straight from the vegetable garden.
4. The Schaalsmeerpolder – Small polder from 1631, the 'nursery' of the Wormer- and Jisperveld. Breeding ground for hundreds of meadow birds in the spring.
5. De Poelboerderij Visitor Centre – The gateway to the Wormer and Jisperveld. Featuring an aquarium, water playground, shop, and boat trips through the peat meadow area.

Background story

The Wormer- and Jisperveld is one of the oldest peat meadow areas in North Holland. For centuries, people have drained the land here and dug waterways. But nature also has its own rhythm here. Every spring, hundreds of meadow birds flock to this area to breed. Yet the meadow bird is under pressure: numbers have been declining for decades. Natuurmonumenten, local farmers, and volunteers are working together to turn the tide. Through special mowing management, coarse manure, and smart watermills, they are trying to preserve this unique landscape as a breeding ground.

Tips and practical information

1. Distance: 27 km (loop, start and end point the same)
2. Route type: Recreational cycling route via cycling nodes (48 → 47 → 44 → 93 → 45)
3. Starting point: Tramplein Bus Station, Tramplein 20, 1441 GP Purmerend
4. By public transport: Purmerend is easily accessible by bus. A direct bus runs from Amsterdam Central Station to Tramplein Bus Station. There are also direct connections from Edam, Volendam, and De Rijp.
5. Signage: Route follows cycle nodes; download the GPX or PDF .
6. Breeding season: Enjoy the most meadow birds in April and May. Stay on the paths and keep dogs on a leash so as not to disturb the breeding birds.
7. Dogs: Allowed on the paths on a leash. Fox fences have been installed in the Schaalsmeerpolder to protect breeding birds.
8. Accessibility: The route is largely flat and suitable for all bicycles. Less suitable for wheelchairs and strollers due to the sometimes narrow dike roads.
9. De Poelboerderij Visitor Centre: Open 7 days a week from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. You can also book boat trips through the peat meadow area here.

This route shows you the unique peat meadow area of North Holland at its best: open, vast, and full of life.