Wandelnetwerk Noord-Holland

The origin of Het Oude Slot estate in Heemstede dates back to the end of the 13th century. A nobleman was enfeoffed by Floris V with the running of Heemstede and built a castle at the Spaarne estuary. In 1810, the dilapidated castle building was demolished but a gatehouse and some outbuildings still remain. Medieval foundations are still present as well as the 'Vredesbrug' (Peace Bridge) dating from 1648. The name refers to the Vrede van Münster (Peace of Münster). The then owner Adriaan Pauw contributed to this as grand pensionary of the States of Holland. The village of Heemstede developed around the nearby church (Oude Kerk) and the inn licensed in 1643.

• The Seminary Route (green) leads past the former episcopal seminary, now the College Hageveld in Heemstede. In 1923, this complex with its impressive dome was built on the site of a 15th-century monastery. Walking along the Ringvaart, the route connects the Spaarne with the beating heart of Heemstede. You’ll also visit the peaceful Oude Kerk and Groenendaal walking forest (dogs not permitted).
• The Bleachers Route (orange) extends the Seminary Route along the Spaarne to the historic sand and bleaching canals of Heemstede. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, dune sand extraction and bleaching were important activities in this area. The sand went to Amsterdam for the construction of the canal belt. The conditions on the dune edge were ideal for bleach houses. Haarlem was an important centre of the textile trade. Laundry from Amsterdam was also dealt with here.