Cycling along the heritage of Haarlemmermeer

Cycling along the heritage of Haarlemmermeer you have a good chance of encountering a steam pumping station. The Steam Pumping Station Halfweg is a good example of this. This pumping station was built in 1852 and is located on the Ringvaart of the Haarlemmermeerpolder in Halfweg. It is the oldest and largest still working paddlewheel steam pumping station in the world!  

In the accompanying museum you can learn more about the history of this special place. What is very special is that the oldest and largest paddle wheel steam pumping station ever is still in operation. In the museum you will be guided through the old building, the openwork boiler and the various model steam engines. Of course, a visit to the engine room and the huge paddle wheel is also part of the tour, so you can see exactly how everything works here. 
 

Address: Museum Steam Pumping Station Halfweg, Haarlemmermeerstraat 4, 1165 HJ Halfweg

A bike ride through Spaarndam on the Spaarndammerdijk will take you to another unique monument in Haarlemmermeer – the community center of Spaarndam. This building used to be the meeting place of the Rhineland administration and also a residence for the overseer. Important hydraulic engineers such as Cruquius, Brunings and Conrad all lived in this house, which is now a protected monument. 

 
Address: Gemeenlandshuis Spaarndam, Spaarndammerdijk 23, 2064 KM Spaarndam

Via Spaarndam you can easily continue cycling to the small village of Spaarnwoude. Here you will find important religious heritage: a church with a medieval tower. The Stompe Toren dates back to 1764. Today this is the location of Cultural Center Stompe Toren. This organization provides various activities in the church, such as exhibitions, concerts and workshops. In the church you will find a historical museum where you can learn everything about the history of this special heritage. 

 
Address: De Stompe Toren, Kerkweg 26, 2064 KS Spaarndam

Gemaal de Leeghwater is an iconic spot along the water in Buitenkaag. This steam pumping station was formerly used as a test steam pumping station for draining the Haarlemmermeer. After this, the pumping stations in Lijnden and Cruquius were also built, which drained the Haarlemmermeer in the 19th century. The Leeghwater pumping station was the first to start this in 1845 and has therefore played an important role in the history of Haarlemmermeer. 
 

Address: Gemaal de Leeghwater, Lisserdijk 5, 2158 LT Buitenkaag

Margaretha's Hoeve is located on the Hoofdweg in Nieuw-Vennep. This is the southernmost farmhouse in North Holland. The dilapidated monument is today a care farm, used by De Herbergier. They have created a warm and loving home for elderly people suffering from memory problems and dementia in the old farmhouse. The farm has been renovated, but old elements of the original farmhouse are still clearly visible in this special piece of heritage. 

 
Address: Margaretha's Hoeve, Hoofdweg 1327, 2151 MA Nieuw-Vennep

From Amsterdam you can easily make a trip to Lijnden by bike. Here you will soon pass the special Gemaal de Lynden, on the Akerdijk in Lijnden. This historic steam pumping station, together with the Leeghwater and Cruquius steam pumping stations, ensured that the Haarlemmermeer was drained in 1849. 
 
Address: Gemaal de Lynden, Akerdijk 10, 1175 LE Lijnden