Zuid-Scharwoude

Zuid-Scharwoude is a town in the Dutch province of North Holland. It is located in the municipality of Dijk en Waard, about 8 km northwest of Alkmaar.

History

The village was first mentioned in 1094 as Sudrekercha. The current name means "southern forest near Schoorl". Zuid was added to distinguish from Noord-Scharwoude. Zuid-Scharwoude developed in the 11th century as a linear settlement along a dike.
The Dutch Reformed church was built in the 15th century as a replacement of a 12th-century church, and renovated in 1819. In 1905, the tower collapsed and the church was shortened with a built-in tower.
Zuid-Scharwoude was home to 626 people in 1840. It was a separate municipality between 1817 and 1941, when it became a part of Langedijk. It used to be the capital of Langedijk. Since 2022 it has become part of the new municipality of Dijk en Waard.