Ommetje Spanbroek-Opmeer

Quiet village walk of 6.6 km through Spanbroek and Opmeer – past small parks, the ice rink, and the De Wijzend marina in Westfriesland.

Nice and close by

The Spanbroek-Opmeer Loop (orange) is one of those walks that proves you don't have to go far for a lovely stroll. In less than seven kilometers, you discover the village atmosphere of Spanbroek and Opmeer — two centers in the heart of West Friesland, in the West Friesland region of North Holland. The route connects small parks, public gardens, the ice rink, and the marina of Spanbroek into one continuous loop. Small in scale, big in experience.

Between village life and greenery

You start at De Schakel in Spanbroek, where route maps are also available. From the starting point, you walk through the small parks and public gardens that form the transition between the old and new neighborhoods of the village. The route is pleasantly varied: quiet residential streets alternate with greenery, and you will soon catch the scent of freshly mown grass and trees. North of the AC de Graafweg, you enter De Weijver Park — a sports and recreation area that also serves as a starting point for the West-Friesland Walking Network. There is also a nature playground here, a nice spot if you are bringing small children. Please note: dogs are not allowed in the playground, but you can easily bypass this section via the adjacent cycle path. Afterwards, you continue the route via the Pade and the winding path along the ice rink. In winter, you can see skaters here; in other seasons, it is a quiet spot with a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape. The walk ends at the De Wijzend marina, on the Ringvaart of Heerhugowaard. Boats belonging to passing water sports enthusiasts are sometimes moored here — a pleasant endpoint where you can take a breather by the water.

Highlights along the way

1. Park De Weijver — Sports and recreation area with a nature playground and starting point for the West-Friesland Walking Network. Pleasant greenery, also for a quick stop.
2. Path along the ice rink — A quiet stretch of the route with a view of the surrounding West Frisian landscape. Atmospheric in winter, pleasantly quiet in summer.
3. De Wijzend Marina — The marina on the Ringvaart in Heerhugowaard is the endpoint of the walk. It is a free mooring spot for passing boats, featuring a boat trailer ramp and jetties. Here you can enjoy the water and the boats.

Walking in the heart of West Friesland

Opmeer and Spanbroek are situated in the clay landscape of West Friesland, surrounded by polders and canals that have defined the region for centuries. This area is typically North Holland: flat, spacious, and with a rich agricultural tradition. The municipality of Opmeer has signposted the village centre walks in collaboration with the KNAU. Maps of the routes are available at the starting points — handy if you prefer not to walk with your phone.

Tips and practical information

1. Dogs: Allowed on the route; not in the nature playground at De Weijver. You can easily bypass this section via the cycle path.
2. Public transport accessibility: Spanbroek is accessible by bus from Alkmaar and Hoorn. Take the bus towards Spanbroek or Opmeer — this way you can leave the car at home and hop on immediately after the walk.
3. Marking: Signposted with KNAU signs and stickers on lampposts. Route maps are available at the starting point De Schakel in Spanbroek.
4. Accessibility: The route largely follows paved paths and is therefore easily navigable. Some sections along the ice rink and in the park may be less suitable for a wheelchair or stroller during wet periods.
5. Transient Harbour De Wijzend: Free mooring, maximum 72 hours. The village is within walking distance of the harbour. Ideal if you want to combine the walk with a visit to the water.