Best lakes around Noorder-Koggenland are found in a region that was formerly a municipality in North Holland, now part of Medemblik. This area is characterized by its polder landscape and its significant interaction with large freshwater bodies. The region offers access to vast lakes formed as part of the Zuiderzee Works, providing opportunities for water recreation and nature observation. Its geography includes both expansive open waters and smaller, protected nature reserves.
Last updated: October 4, 2026
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The De Groote Vliet nature reserve is a water-rich nature reserve in West Friesland, located in the province of North Holland, near Lake IJsselmeer and the historic towns of Medemblik and Hoorn. The area comprises a combination of grasslands, woodlands, reed beds, and marshes, attracting a wide variety of flora and fauna, including reed birds, butterflies, and a colony of grey herons. Several walking and cycling routes, such as the Vliet Route and the Onderdijk Route, run through the area, and it is a popular location for water recreation such as sailing and swimming.
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A wonderful sea. Swimming in shallow water is possible.
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. Harbor Wijdenes East of Wijdenes on the Markermeer The harbor is located on the Zuiderdijk. Just a resting point during a day of sailing, but also a wonderful place to sit by the water during a walk or a bike ride. The harbor of Wijdenes is an excellent place to enjoy the Markermeer, with a wide view over the water. You can sunbathe, fish and moor here. You can stay for a maximum of three nights in the harbor for a fee
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A very nice bike path in the nature reserve 👍
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Here the bike path is a bit away from the shore, but there are countless water birds to watch. The artificial canal system a little further east is also worth seeing - almost a bit like art or an inverted mini version of the Palm Islands in Dubai ;-)
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Here the cycle path makes a detour away from the coast through the small town of Onderdijk.
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The IJsselmeer is the largest lake in the Netherlands. Today's freshwater lake, artificially created by dyking, consists of a large part of the former Zuiderzee bay between Friesland and North Holland. The word sea has the meaning of "inland lake" in Dutch (as in Low German). The lake is named after its main tributary, the IJssel, which flows into the Ketelmeer tributary below Kampen. The second largest tributary, the Zwarte Water, flows into the connected lake Zwarte Meer.
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nice break from your bike ride. public toilets are also available here
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The region is primarily defined by its interaction with the vast IJsselmeer and the Markermeer. Key spots include IJsselmeer near Wervershoof, known for birdwatching, and IJsselmeer near Medemblik, popular for kitesurfing and family beaches. Additionally, the De Weelen nature reserve offers a unique landscape of watercourses and polders.
Yes, several locations are great for families. IJsselmeer near Medemblik offers family-friendly beach access. Wijdenes Beach and Harbor on the Markermeer is also a wonderful spot for sunbathing and relaxing by the water with children. The De Weelen nature reserve has cycling paths suitable for family outings.
The Markermeer, accessible from areas like Wijdenes Beach and Harbor, is excellent for water sports. It's a popular spot for sailing, wakeboarding, foiling, surfing, and catamaran sailing. IJsselmeer near Medemblik is particularly known for kitesurfing.
The IJsselmeer near Wervershoof is a crucial area for birdwatching, with countless water birds to observe. The Markermeer, generally, is a paradise for birdwatchers, especially within the Nieuw Land National Park, which includes the Marker Wadden islands. The De Weelen nature reserve also offers a rich natural environment with open water, reed beds, and diverse flora.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The banks of the Markermeer offer scenic cycling opportunities. The De Weelen nature reserve features a very nice bike path. You can find more cycling options in the area by exploring the Cycling around Noorder-Koggenland guide or the Road Cycling Routes around Noorder-Koggenland guide.
The warmer months, from spring through early autumn, are generally best for enjoying water sports, cycling, and relaxing by the water. These seasons offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities and nature observation. Winter can also offer unique, quiet walks, but water activities will be limited.
Yes, IJsselmeer near Medemblik provides family-friendly beach access. Wijdenes Beach and Harbor also offers a small bathing area with a lawn and opportunities for swimming in the Markermeer.
The De Weelen nature reserve is a unique complex of watercourses, dike breaches, and polders, offering a beautiful landscape that has been spared in land consolidation. It's a fascinating area for those looking for a blend of natural and historical landscape features. The Koopmanspolder Nature Reserve also presents a unique mix of nature and man-made elements.
Visitors particularly appreciate the wide-open views of the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, the opportunities for various water sports, and the peaceful natural reserves like De Weelen. The scenic cycling paths and the chance to observe diverse birdlife are also frequently highlighted.
While cycling is very popular, many of the paths along the lakes and through nature reserves like De Weelen and Koopmanspolder Nature Reserve are also suitable for walking. You can find more options for exploring on foot in the MTB Trails around Noorder-Koggenland guide, which includes routes that can often be adapted for hiking.
Many areas along the IJsselmeer and Markermeer, such as Wijdenes Beach and Harbor, offer marinas and beaches that provide good access for recreation. The region is well-equipped with cycling paths, making it easy to explore the lake shores. Specific public transport options to individual lake access points may vary, so checking local transport schedules is advisable.
Yes, Wijdenes Beach and Harbor on the Markermeer provides facilities where boats can moor, making it an excellent resting point during sailing trips. Marinas are also available in towns like Medemblik, which is part of the broader region.


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