Starting Point Ouderkerkerplas (tourist transfer point)
Routes from this starting point
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Rondom de Plas (paars)
Unpaved path (partly) No dogs allowed Closed during bird breeding season - 4.67km
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Landje van Geijselpad (oranje)
Unpaved path (partly) No dogs allowed Closed during bird breeding season - 7.56km
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Nieuwe Bullewijkroute (groen)
Unpaved path (partly) No dogs allowed - 9.8km
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Arenaroute (rood)
Unpaved path (partly) No dogs allowed - 9.16km
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Holendrechtroute (zwart)
Unpaved path (partly) No dogs allowed - 11.04km
kaart startpunt TOP Ouderkerkerplas 2021 (3022 kb)
The Ouderkerkerplas is a deep sand extraction lake that supplied the sand for the foundation of the A9 motorway. The water from the lake is brackish because it mixes with salty groundwater. This is why the Ouderkerkerplas rarely freezes over and waterfowl like to spend the winter there. In winter, the lake is populated by thousands of wigeon ducks. The males stand out with their rust-brown heads with a yellow forehead. During the migratory bird season, the lake is closed to guests so that the wigeons get plenty of peace and quiet.
- The Rondom de plas or Around the Plas Route (purple) is a shorter circular walk. A sand martin wall was constructed on the south side of the lake and there are also some areas that have greater yellow-rattle plants and southern marsh orchids. Closed from 15 October to 15 April.
- The Landje van Geijselpad (orange) also travels around the banks of the Ouderkerkerplas, making an extra loop along the Bullewijk and the flooded Landje van Geijsel, where in spring you can see birds such as godwits, ruffs and pintail ducks. Closed from 15 October to 15 April.
- The Nieuwe Bullewijkroute (green) connects the Ouderkerkerplas with the village of Ouderkerk, and also passes the Landje van Geijsel and the Bullewijk.
- The Arenaroute (red) is a longer walk through woods and a wetland area, and past the Arena stadium.
- The Holendrechtroute (black) is a longer walk that connects the Ouderkerkplas with the Hoge Dijk recreational area. It is delightful walking along the Holendrecht peat river.
Photo: Westphil Photography