Spaarnwoude

Spaarnwoude is a former municipality in the Dutch province of North Holland. It was located between Haarlem and Amsterdam, encompassing the villages of Spaarndam and Velsen. The municipality was established in 1963 through the merger of the former municipalities of Haarlemmerliede and Spaarndam and Velsen.

The area of Spaarnwoude is characterized by its flat polder landscape, crisscrossed by canals and waterways, including the Spaarne river. Historically, it was an agricultural region. The municipality was known for its recreational opportunities, particularly for water sports and cycling. Spaarnwoude Park, a large recreational area, is a significant feature within the former municipality's boundaries.

In 1947, a significant portion of Spaarnwoude, specifically the municipality of Velsen, was incorporated into the newly formed municipality of Velsen. Later, in 2008, the remaining part of Spaarnwoude, which included Spaarndam, was merged with the municipality of Haarlemmerliede to form the new municipality of Haarlemmermeer. This effectively marked the end of Spaarnwoude as an independent administrative entity. Today, the name Spaarnwoude primarily refers to the recreational park and the historical region.