Discover Ankeveen

For visitors, Ankeveen brings together two clearly distinct themes: its waterscape and trails on the one hand, and its architectural and cultural history on the other. The Ankeveense Plassen, public walking trails and local skating history offer insights into nature and outdoor pursuits; theatres, churches and Berg en Vaart complete the picture of the area. Which aspect you focus on during your stay depends on which of these interests you most.

Waterscape and special conditions

The Ankeveense Plassen form a labyrinth of peat-digging pits and strips of land, as well as islands, narrow ditches and open stretches of water. Peat extraction from the 16th to the 18th century shaped the landscape. At the same time, the lakes are a resting area for many reed, water and marsh birds. Here, a waterscape shaped by past use meets an important resting place for various groups of birds.

Visitors can explore the lakes on the water with a guide from Natuurmonumenten, travelling through the labyrinth of strips of land and peat-digging pits. The availability of this activity may change; check the current offering before making specific plans. A special rule applies to boating in the Ankeveen section of the lakes: only people who live on this lake may boat there, and a special permit is required. If you are planning a boat trip, take this rule into account and check the conditions in advance.

Walking and local skating history

Several public walking trails run through the Kortenhoefse and Ankeveense Plassen. The first section of the Ankeveense Plassen walking route follows a historic church path. In the past, Ankeveen residents used this route to reach the church in Nederhorst den Berg. Those interested in the history of the trails will find a direct link here between a present-day walking route and a former destination for local residents.

Winter sports are also part of the area’s history. The Ankeveense IJsclub was among the first clubs to organize family skating tours of 10 and 25 kilometres. Since the late 1970s, marathon speed skating has played an important role in Ankeveen. The availability of skating activities depends on ice conditions, which you should take into account when planning a winter visit.

Churches, theatre and local architectural history

The De Dillewijn theatre is housed in Ankeveen’s former Dutch Reformed church. The church building dates from 1907 and was designed by architect J. van Dillewijn from Hilversum. The theatre hosts plays, exhibitions and musical performances. If you want to attend a particular event, check the relevant dates.

The Martinuskerk in Ankeveen preserves several identifiable details of local history. The church contains a funeral achievement for Maria Elisabeth de Walé. Its tower wall also features two three-dimensional façade stones, made in the studio of Ignatius van Logteren. They come from the façade of the former twelve almshouses on Sticht End in Ankeveen. Another distinctive building is the Hollandse Molen, an octagonal polder mill in Ankeveen.

Berg en Vaart and its gardens

The main house at Berg en Vaart was built between 1779 and 1782 in the Dutch Louis XVI style. The historic garden and park grounds date from the same period: they are a small-scale landscape-style design from the late 18th century. Their layout and some of the details are well preserved. A vista runs from the front garden through the house and garden, across the pond and as far as the meadow behind the estate.

The gardens at Berg en Vaart are open to the public by appointment. Check whether a visit is possible and make the necessary arrangements before you arrive. This allows you to distinguish a visit to the gardens from Ankeveen’s other architectural and historical attractions, without assuming that the main house is also open to the public.

Discover more destinations: Nederhorst Den Berg, Nieuw-Loosdrecht, Breukeleveen, ’S-Graveland, Kortenhoef, Loosdrecht, Oud-Loosdrecht.

For the broader travel overview: Wijdemeren.