The Haring- & Henneproute follows centuries-old church paths through the Eilandspolder and starts in the historic village of De Rijp. The sturdy walk of over thirteen kilometres leads through a polder full of meadow birds, a true paradise for nature lovers.
A village that grew rich from herring fishing
De Rijp was a prosperous village in the Golden Age, thanks to herring fishing, whaling, trade and shipbuilding. That history is still palpable in the village, which is still considered one of the most beautiful in Noord-Holland. From the Toeristisch Overstappunt in De Rijp, the route quickly leads into the polder.
Along ancient church paths
The route makes use of historic church paths: narrow, partly unpaved paths that believers used in the Middle Ages to walk to the hidden church in De Rijp. A part of the route between Noordeinde and De Rijp consists of such a seven-kilometre-long church path, straight through the meadows of the Eilandspolder.
Silence and meadow birds
Once in the polder, chirping meadow birds break the peace of the landscape. The Eilandspolder, the historic green heart of Noord-Holland, has remained remarkably intact and is considered a true paradise for nature lovers. Please note: during the breeding season, from 15 March to 15 June, parts of the route are not accessible to leave the birds in peace.
