Heemstede, Municipality in North Holland, Netherlands
Heemstede is a residential municipality in North Holland located south of Haarlem along the Ring Canal. The area sits at sea level and is defined by the flat landscape typical of the Dutch countryside.
The settlement originated from Castle Heemstede, built in 1286 near the Spaarne River. A community gradually developed around this fortification during the 14th century.
The municipality preserves several country estates from the 17th and 18th centuries that show how affluent families shaped the landscape with their homes and gardens. These properties remain visible features that define the area's character today.
The Heemstede-Aerdenhout railway station connects the municipality to larger cities like Haarlem and Leiden. The flat terrain makes cycling the natural way to get around within and beyond the community.
The Cruquius Polder Museum occupies a former pumping station that operated from 1849 to 1933. This facility was crucial for managing water and keeping the surrounding land dry.
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