Pijnacker-Nootdorp between nature, water and history

The Groenzoom covers 450 hectares between the municipalities of Lansingerland and Pijnacker-Nootdorp and borders Zoetermeer-Rokkeveen. As a green buffer zone between the surrounding settlements, it connects Midden-Delfland with the Groene Hart. Nature and recreational areas sit alongside historic sites and activities on the water. When choosing a hotel for your trip, you can first consider whether trails and landscapes, water activities or history will shape your stay.

Green spaces and trails

The Groenzoom has walking trails as well as cycling, canoeing and horse-riding routes. A historic green cycling route also passes through the area: its second section between Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Lansingerland and Rotterdam runs east of the built-up area of Pijnacker, through the Groenzoom. This lets you consider an extensive landscape area and a specific cycling route as different options for outdoor activities.

Buytenhout is a connected nature and recreation area comprising green spaces belonging to the municipalities of Delft, Zoetermeer and Pijnacker-Nootdorp, as well as Staatsbosbeheer. Bieslandse Bos brings together woodland, marshland and pasture; it has many kilometres of walking and cycling trails. Birds can be observed in the Krekengebied and from the Virulypad. Children can enjoy the Biesbusch play forest.

De Balij includes the De Scheg swamp forest, where you can watch birds from a 60-metre-long boardwalk. De Balij also has a play forest. The Kabouterpad adventure trail for younger children starts at Stadsboerderij De Balijhoeve. Wandelbos Laakweg connects Bieslandse Bos with De Balij. It offers space for sports and exercise, such as running; visitors can relax by the water and at several benches.

Water and birdwatching

At Dobbeplas, you can swim, surf or fish. The site has a sandy beach, a water playground and grassy areas for picnics or sunbathing. As a Toeristisch Overstap Punt (TOP), Dobbeplas also offers places to eat and drink, walking and cycling routes, and information boards with maps and details of points of interest along the routes.

Windmills, art and local history

Bieslandse Bovenmolen is a municipal monument. The lower part of its mill base, at the octagonal polder mill, originally dates from 1784. The mill keeps alive the memory of the local history of water management in this part of the municipality. Nootdorp is also home to the grain mill Windlust, which was moved there from Delft in 1885. Built in 1781, the mill was originally an octagonal, thatched bark and snuff mill. Windlust is open to the public; visits are possible by appointment. Arrange your visit in advance.

The built heritage also dates back a long way: the farm complex at Noordeindseweg 42 dates in its layout to the end of the 16th century and is among the oldest in the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp. The municipality also has 15 historic information panels about its history. Several historic walks have been created for Pijnacker and made available as PDFs. On these walks, visitors can follow a route of their choice through the streets and use a smartphone to access information about the relevant topics along the way.

In Pijnacker, the “Kunst in de openbare ruimte” collection can be explored on foot or by bicycle. There is also a walking route in the centre featuring public artworks, as well as a related treasure hunt for children. Those interested in agriculture can learn about farming at Gravesteyn, an organic dairy farm in the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp.

Practical planning tips

GPX files are available for some Buytenhout routes, making them easier to follow on foot or by bicycle. A P+R car park in Pijnacker-Nootdorp has 72 spaces, is free of charge and is accessible 24 hours a day.

Kaasboerderij van Leeuwen welcomes visitors to its farm shop, where it offers a selection of fresh products. The farm shop is another way to add a visit with a local connection to your trip.

Discover more destinations: Delfgauw, Nootdorp, Pijnacker, Binnenmaas, Zwijndrecht, Sliedrecht, Noordwijkerhout, Westvoorne.

See the broader travel overview: South Holland.