Grote Zomerdijkroute

Short circular walk of 5.1 km through the quiet farmland around Spanbroek — with views of the fan-shaped polder landscape of West Friesland.

Peace and space in West Frisian farmland

The Grote Zomerdijk Route (red) takes you on a short, quiet circular walk of just over 5 kilometers through the open polder landscape south of Spanbroek, in the municipality of Opmeer. This is one of the quiet corners of West Friesland — little visited, but full of character. The route is part of the walking routes around the village centers of the municipality of Opmeer, signposted for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle for a while.

Across fields and dikes to the polder

You start at De Schakel in Spanbroek, the village hall. From the starting point, you walk out of the built-up area and quickly enter the open farmland. Along the Spanbroekweg, you can see how the village has preserved its agricultural roots — wide fields, ditches as boundaries, and here and there an old farmhouse along the road. Until the 1970s, this was a typical farming village, and you can still sense that atmosphere.

Next, you walk onto the Zomerdijk. This is the special point of the route: from here, you can see the fan-shaped parceling pattern of the polder. The plots fan out like rays from a central point — a pattern that dates back to centuries-old drainage and land division. Here, you are literally looking at the work of generations of farmers. In the distance, the meadows look endless. You hear the chirping of meadow birds, and in spring, the ditch banks hum with blossom.

The route then takes you back towards Spanbroek through the south of the polder. Quiet country lanes, ditches full of duckweed in the summer, and the cry of a seagull in the distance. This is not a route for records, but for attention.

Highlights along the way

1. The Spanbroekweg — From the village center, you look back at Spanbroek as it was: a compact farming village with a recognizable structure along the road. It is beautiful to see how little has changed.
2. The Zomerdijk — The absolute highlight of the route. From this point, you see the fan-shaped polder landscape in its full extent — a unique cultural-historical landscape that is nowhere else so clearly visible.
3. Meadow birds in the polder — During the breeding season (March–June), the meadows are teeming with life: lapwings, godwits, and redshanks can be clearly heard and seen here. Walk quietly and keep your distance from the meadows.
4. Quiet country lanes — The return journey takes you along small, paved polder paths. Rarely a car, always a view. Ideal for completely clearing your head.

A village that remained farmland

Spanbroek is one of the oldest settlements in the municipality of Opmeer. Until well into the twentieth century, the village relied entirely on agriculture. The surrounding land was drained and parceled out as early as the Middle Ages in the typical fan-shaped pattern visible from the Zomerdijk. This shape is no coincidence: it reflects how the land was formerly divided from a central waterway. The route allows you to literally experience this story, with your feet in the landscape.

Tips and practical information

1. Starting point: De Schakel, Spanbroek. Maps of the route are available at the starting point.
2. Signage: The route is signposted with KNAU signs and stickers on lampposts throughout the village centre.
3. Accessibility by public transport: Spanbroek is accessible by bus from Hoorn and Alkmaar — handy if you want to leave the car at home.
4. Dogs: Dogs are welcome on the route. However, please keep your dog on a leash near pastures with livestock and during the breeding season (March–June).
5. Accessibility: The route largely follows paved paths and dike roads. Partially suitable for strollers; not for wheelchairs due to narrow paths and potential unevenness.
6. Season: Spring is the most beautiful time for meadow birds. In summer, the ditches and polder canals are in full color. Preferably walk on weekdays for maximum peace and quiet.
7. Sustainable tip: Spanbroek is easily accessible by bus — this way you can enjoy the farmland without the hassle and help preserve the peace in the area.