'Koog' land outside the polder

Look to your left across the water. Immediately on the opposite side you will see a dyke. This is further inland, where you can see the buildings in the distance. And that makes sense. Because this is how the polder inhabitants wanted to protect their dykes. The land outside the dykes could flood, and constituted a type of buffer against the water. This meant the dyke was under less strain in a storm or at high water.

The areas outside the dykes were generally dry. That meant the cattle could graze as usual. You will find similar culture areas everywhere that water is or has been a threat. But what are these areas outside the dykes in North-Holland actually called? Try the quiz to discover the answer. Then cycle on over this dyke.