Langedijk

Langedijk is a former municipality in the province of North Holland, Netherlands. It was located in the northwestern part of the country, north of the city of Alkmaar. The municipality was established in 1943 through the merger of the former municipalities of Noord-Scharwoude, Zuid-Scharwoude, and Sint Pancras. In 2022, Langedijk merged with the municipality of Heerhugowaard to form the new municipality of Dijk en Waard.

The area of Langedijk is characterized by its polder landscape, with numerous waterways and narrow strips of land. Historically, it was a region heavily involved in peat extraction and agriculture, particularly dairy farming and horticulture. The name "Langedijk" itself refers to a long dike that was constructed in the area. The municipality was known for its recreational opportunities, including boating and cycling.

The former municipality encompassed several villages and hamlets, with Noord-Scharwoude serving as the administrative center. Other significant settlements included Zuid-Scharwoude and Sint Pancras. The transition to the new municipality of Dijk en Waard aimed to streamline local governance and services for the residents of both Langedijk and Heerhugowaard. The merger marked the end of Langedijk as an independent administrative entity, integrating its history and landscape into a larger regional context.