Carel Coenraadpolder
The Carel Coenraadpolder is the most north-eastern polder in the Netherlands. The beautiful, expansive surroundings are ideal for a walk or a cycle ride.
Have a look now
Location
The dyke is named after the former Queen’s Commissioner, Carel Coenraad Geertsema. A monument was erected halfway along the dyke in 1998. It features a memorial with the apt inscription: ‘Gain diek, gain laand, gain leev’n’.
This stretch of land was surrounded by dykes and reclaimed as early as 1924. Over time, it often became apparent that the dykes were breached or were too low to withstand the rough sea. For this reason, the sea dykes along the Dollard were raised to delta height between 1983 and 1986. This ensures that the fertile land of Groningen remains dry. Today, sugar beet, cereals and potatoes are the main crops grown here.
Walk along the dyke and enjoy the sweeping views …
The dyke is named after the former Queen’s Commissioner, Carel Coenraad Geertsema. A monument was erected halfway along the dyke in 1998. It features a memorial with the apt inscription: ‘Gain diek, gain laand, gain leev’n’.
This stretch of land was surrounded by dykes and reclaimed as early as 1924. Over time, it often became apparent that the dykes were breached or were too low to withstand the rough sea. For this reason, the sea dykes along the Dollard were raised to delta height between 1983 and 1986. This ensures that the fertile land of Groningen remains dry. Today, sugar beet, cereals and potatoes are the main crops grown here.
Walk along the dyke and enjoy the sweeping views. Or stap on your bike and go just that bit further. Whilst cycling through the polder, the horizon is regularly punctuated by small workers’ cottages and enormous manor farms. The difference in prosperity was, and still is, almost tangible here. In recent years, however, this gap has gradually narrowed. And on the site of the Ambonezenbosje – named after its temporary residents – there once stood barracks with an eventful history. Every few years, they were given a new purpose. These days, it’s a Tourist Transfer Point where all sorts of routes intersect.