Zuid-Scharwoude (municipality of Langedijk) was once a morass. For centuries, people lived by the Langedijk that primarily consisted of ditches and canals. The area was known for its ‘Realm of a Thousand Islands’: the inhabitants developed the morass into a fertile realm of islands by digging canals. The farmers used the sludge to raise the level of areas of land in the fields and tilled, sowed and harvested it with their bare hands. Each gardener farmed 7 islands, which could only be reached using a barge pole!
Near Museum Broeker Veiling, the oldest sail-through vegetable auction in the world, you can hire a boat and sail through to the last remaining part of the Realm of a Thousand Islands. Cycling is also great in Noord-Scharwoude: from intersection 91 take the cycle path to Geestmerambacht nature and recreation area. Here you will find cycle and hiking paths, a swimming lake with beaches and reed banks, a restaurant and the large campsite-cum-chalet park Molengroet. Every year, the Indian Summer Festival, featuring big names like Anouk, Ilse de Lange and Kane, is organised beside this recreation area.
Tip! The spot where island De Koen once lay in the Realm of a Thousand Islands, is now the site of a vineyard. Workshops and wine tastings are organised here.