Once there was only water here. But today the reclamation of the Wormermeer enables you to cycle through a sea of meadows, beside reeds and traditional listed farmhouses. Everywhere you look you are treated to a panoramic view. De Wijdewormer - a typical North Holland polder dating from the seventeenth century - is a stunning piece of true craftsmanship. It is difficult to imagine how the fishermen of old once hauled in their last catch, right before the lake was drained. In this village, spread over the entire polder, there is even still an authentic polder windmill: the Neckermolen.
The constructed, sleek geometric lines of De Wijdewormer form a beautiful contrast against the random lines of the surrounding fenland meadow area, the Jisper and Wormerveld. This happens to be the largest area of uninterrupted fenland meadows in Europe! The area is teeming with grassland birds. No less than four hundred pairs of black-tailed godwits breed here and spoonbills can be seen regularly. From De Poelboerderij Visitor Centre travel by electric boat beside the reeds and fenland islands. Various walking and cycling trips are also available. Alternatively, hire a canoe in the marina and paddle straight into the expansive nature reserve. Use the canoe network junctions, which take you past the most beautiful spots.