The Beemster Polder was created in the early 17th century. Investment of capital in land, the need for agricultural land and country houses, and the will to succeed in the fight against the sea were the main reasons at the time to drain Beemster Lake. The new land, whose soil consisted of firm clay, was divided into a strict geometrical pattern of perfect squares. Today, its population works and lives there at around 3.5 metres below NAP (Normal Amsterdam Level). The landscape is characterised by straight roads lined with trees, sturdy cheese-cover farmhouses and a few historical towns.

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