More of historic value to the Netherlands than actually a place to visit, could be a way to characterise the Droogmakerij de Beemster Polder. Droogmakerij means “make dry” in Dutch and Beemster is the name of the oldest “polder”, an area that has been transformed from sea to land. As you all know, this is somewhat of a Dutch speciality and the Beemster polder happened to be the first really large undertaking back in the early 17th century.

I visited the small village of Middelbeemster, located right in the middle of the polder, where a small museum and an information centre can be found. The story of how the Beemster polder was made is very interesting and a good example of Dutch business and craftsmanship. If you’re in the neighbourhood, head for Middelbeemster, go to the museum and then go for a relaxing lunch at the gourmet restaurant not far from centre point and the crossroads.