Roelofarendsveen

In Roelofarendsveen, mills, memorials and routes through the polder landscape offer different kinds of discovery. Visitors who want to plan their stay around specific themes will find landmarks with their own histories and routes with distinct points of focus. The Veendermolen and the water tower reflect the history of milling and industry, while the war memorial provides a separate place of remembrance. The routes add landscape and local stories to the experience.

Mills, the Water Tower and Local History

The Veendermolen is a round, brick polder mill serving the Veenderpolder, on the north side of the Wijde Aa. It was rebuilt in 1934 on a stone base dating from 1830. The two dates refer to different stages in its construction history: 1830 relates to the base, while 1934 marks the mill’s reconstruction. This distinction makes the long building history tangible through a specific landmark.

The water tower also brings together several aspects of local history. It is a municipal monument and is considered an important example of industrial heritage. At 31.5 metres tall, it is visible from the surrounding area. Since 1986, four red tulips on the tower have symbolised its connection with tulip growing in Roelofarendsveen. The landmark therefore brings together its industrial heritage and a symbol of cultivation, without making the two themes one and the same.

The Googermolen adds another perspective on the history of milling: it was thoroughly restored in the 1990s. Together with the reconstruction of the Veendermolen, these dates provide two different points of reference. For the Veendermolen, the focus is on the 1830 base and the 1934 reconstruction; for the Googermolen, the stated stage in its history is its thorough restoration in the 1990s.

A Memorial with a Broader Scope of Remembrance

The war memorial in Roelofarendsveen was erected as a place of remembrance for resistance and oppression. Its scope of remembrance includes not only the Second World War but also the period from 1840 to 1940. This adds a further historical period to the commemoration of the Second World War. The memorial is in Noordhoek, next to the junction of Stationsstraat and Westeinde. As access in the area may change, it is worth checking the local situation before visiting.

Polder Routes and Their Different Points of Focus

The two-hour Tulip Route takes visitors through the Veense polder landscape. Information boards present local stories, useful information, facts and anecdotes. The route runs from the Braassemermeer through a historic lock into the polders of Roelofarendsveen; passing through the lock is highlighted as a special experience. Check the latest route information when planning, as operational details may change.

The 15-kilometre walking route “Veenmeermin blijf je?” offers a different perspective. Five photo panels present discovered evidence of the Veenmeermin and the historical stories behind it. The route was set up by Stichting Tulpenroute. Before setting out, check the latest route information, as signage and trail conditions may change.

The Molens- en plassenroute runs through the rural area between the Braassemermeer and the Kagerplassen. It can be extended via Oud Ade, Kaag Island and Buitenkaag. The routes offer different points of reference when choosing: the Tulip Route is listed as taking two hours, while the “Veenmeermin blijf je?” walk is 15 kilometres long. The Molens- en plassenroute, by contrast, is described by its route between the two lake areas and the named extension locations. Duration, distance and route are therefore separate points of reference for your planning.

Products from the Polder Landscape

Local product names are also part of the polder landscape. Groffies refers to small cucumbers, pods and strawberries; in Veens, strawberries are called “aarubeijen”.

Discover more destinations: Hoogmade, Kaag, Rijpwetering, Woubrugge

Return to the main travel overview: Kaag En Braassem.