Heerhugowaard Poldermolen | Alkmaar

The Poldermolen M (Heerhugowaard) is a 17th-century drainage mill located in the municipality of Dijk en Waard, approximately 6 kilometers east of Alkmaar. It is one of the few remaining structures from the original network of 47 mills that drained the Heerhugowaard lake between 1629 and 1631.

Visual Characteristics

The mill is an octagonal "ground-sailer" (grondzeiler) with a thatched body and cap. It is painted black with traditional white and green accents on the gallery and sails. It stands as a solitary landmark in the flat polder landscape, characterized by its low-profile base designed to catch maximum wind in the open fields.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Huigendijk 17, 1704 RE Heerhugowaard.

Accessibility: Situated along the N243 (Huigendijk) between Alkmaar and Hoorn.

Public Access: The interior is a private residence and closed to the public. The exterior is clearly visible from the public bike paths and the ring canal (Ringvaart) road.

Transport: 20-minute cycle from Alkmaar city center. Bus line 160 stops nearby in the village of Rustenburg (1km walk).

Historical & Ecological Origin

Constructed circa 1630, the mill was vital for the reclamation of the "Groote Waert" (Heerhugowaard). It utilized an internal Archimedean screw (vijzel) to lift water from the low-lying polder into the higher Ringvaart canal. The surrounding soil is heavy polder clay, reclaimed from the inland sea through this mechanical drainage process.

Key Highlights & Activities

Landscape Photography: Highly valued by photographers for its silhouette against the vast horizons of the North Holland polder.

The Rustenburg Trio: The mill is located within sight of the three "Strijkmolens" of Rustenburg, creating a unique cluster of four historic mills within a 1km radius.

Cycling Routes: The site is a major waypoint on the "Schermer and Beemster" cycling circuits.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There are no visitor facilities, restrooms, or cafes at the mill site. The nearby village of Rustenburg (0.5km) offers a small selection of local dining options. 5G cellular reception is strong along the Huigendijk.

Best Time to Visit

The exterior is best viewed at sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting across the water. While the mill does not participate in daily tours, it is often decorated with flags during National Mill Day (mid-May), at which time the sails may be in motion.

Facts & Legends

The Poldermolen M is a "State Monument" (Rijksmonument). A verified technical detail: unlike earlier scoop-wheel mills, this mill’s Archimedean screw allowed it to lift water to a greater height (up to 4 meters), which was necessary for the deep Heerhugowaard polder.

Nearby Landmarks

Strijkmolens Rustenburg – 0.5km East

Museummolen Schermerhorn – 4.0km Southeast

Alkmaar Historic Center – 6.0km West

Park van Luna – 4.5km Northwest