De Rijp

The famous hydraulic engineer Jan Adriaanzoon Leeghwater was born here and once called De Rijp ‘the best village in Holland’. Try proving him wrong! Free from mass tourism, De Rijp is without a doubt one of the most beautiful villages in North Holland.

Whaling

De Rijp was once a busy fishing village that was famous for its herring fleet and whalers. Traces of this rich seafaring history are still visible. The De Rijp coat of arms - two herrings - has adorned the façade of the monumental town hall for centuries and serves as a reminder of the life of fishermen. The museum ‘In ’t Houten Huis’ also pays a lot of attention to the whaling industry in its permanent collection. Enjoy a pleasant wander past the beautifully restored wooden façades of this conservation village, where you can catch a glimpse of the past.

Art markets and electric boats
De Rijp is also a close-knit community even today. Events such as Museum Night, Midwinter Festival and the art markets take place here annually. Canoes and electric boats are available for hire at different spots. Cyclists and hikers can pick up a copy of the Herring and Hemp Route from the VVV, to become better acquainted with the land of Leeghwater. A digital version of these routes is also available for your telephone, which functions as a navigation system and story teller.

And if you have any time left: be sure to visit the sculpture garden of gallery owner and visual artist Elly Hoek, who exhibits her own work and changing collections by various artists in her gallery and garden.