Starting point Haarlemmermeerse Bos
Routes from this starting point
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Plesman Route (orange)
Unpaved path (partly) Off-leash dogs allowed on part of this route - 7.1km
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Lake Route (red)
Unpaved path (partly) Off-leash dogs allowed on part of this route - 3.37km
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Groene Weelde Route (green)
Unpaved path (partly) Off-leash dogs allowed on part of this route - 4.38km
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Bridge Route (purple)
Unpaved path (partly) Off-leash dogs allowed on part of this route - 3km
kaart startpunt Haarlemmermeerse Bos (1550 kb)
In the 1970s, a pit up to 40 metres deep in some places was dug for the extraction of sand. Flooded with water, it now forms the heart of the Haarlemmermeerse Bos with recreational facilities and new nature. The 2002 Floriade ( flower and gardening exhibition) was held here. This nature reserve above Hoofddorp is bordered on the east side by the Geniedijk (military dike). This dike through the Haarlemmermeer was part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, built at the end of the 19th century. The grass path is uneven on top of the dike and is sometimes shared with sheep.
- The Lake Route (red) in Hoofddorp leads around the recreational lake of the Haarlemmermeerse Bos and over a part of the Geniedijk, of which we also visit an artillery unit location.
- The Groene Weelde Route (green) leads through the green region of Cruquis and Vijfhuizen that was created in the run-up to the Floriade. The area is part of Spaarnwoude Park. You will find alternating groves, grasslands, orchid meadows and water features with natural banks. Egg-laying heaps ensure that grass snakes can breed there and birds from kingfishers to hawks call it home. For those who want to take on the climb, Big Spottershill offers fantastic views.
- The Plesman Route (orange) in the vicinity of Hoofddorp and Cruquius leads through the relatively new Plesmanhoek and Buitenschot parks on the east side of the Geniedijk and the Groene Weelde and Haarlemmermeerse Bos on the west side of the dike. A striking bridge over the Drie Merenweg connects the green areas.
- The Bridge Route (purple) in the vicinity of Hoofddorp and Cruquius is a short walk along all the various features of the area, such as the banks of the lake, the Geniedijk and the nature islands of Groene Weelde.