Pijnacker: Nature, Trails and Local History

Pijnacker offers several specific points of interest for a trip: a large nature and recreation area, walking and cycling routes, and art and historic sites in the centre. The Groenzoom covers 450 hectares, lies between the municipalities of Lansingerland and Pijnacker-Nootdorp, and borders Zoetermeer-Rokkeveen. This lets you divide your plans between time in the green surroundings and a walk through Pijnacker itself.

Nature and trails in the Groenzoom

In the section east of Pijnacker’s built-up area, the historic green cycle route passes through the Groenzoom between Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Lansingerland and Rotterdam. This identifies a specific stretch for a bike ride between the town and the surrounding landscape. In the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp, you can also explore the area on foot or by bike, using designated walking and cycling routes through recreational areas.

For a walk through the Groenzoom, the starting point of the Groenzoom walking route is also a useful guide: it is a five-minute walk from Pijnacker Zuid metro station. This time estimate can help you include the journey to the start of the route in your day’s plans. The cycling route and walking route offer different perspectives on the nature and recreation area: one is a named stretch that passes through the Groenzoom, while the other starts at a point within walking distance of the metro station.

Walks and art in the centre

Pijnacker’s centre has an art trail where you can see works of art in public spaces while out for a walk. This gives a walk through the town a clear focus: the artworks along the route are just as much a part of the experience as the walk itself. If you are interested in local history, the historic circular walks offer further specific routes through the streets.

Historic Circular Walk 1 passes through the Oude dorp and along Kerkweg, Julianastraat and Zuiderstraat. Circular Walk 2 follows Oostlaan and Westlaan. Both historic circular walks are available as PDF routes. The named streets distinguish the two walks; there is also the historic walking route “Monumentale bomenwandeling centrum” in the centre of Pijnacker. This gives you a choice of walks with different historic themes and routes.

Commemoration and historic buildings

The war memorial in Pijnacker commemorates four residents of the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp who died as a result of acts of war. In 2024, five Stolpersteine were also laid in the municipality of Pijnacker-Nootdorp in front of the former homes of Jewish residents who were murdered during the Second World War. The two forms of remembrance have different focuses: the memorial commemorates four residents, while the Stolpersteine commemorate Jewish residents and their former homes.

The history of the buildings can also be seen at specific locations. The Dorpskerk in Pijnacker is listed as a Rijksmonument with monument number 32257. At Overgauwseweg 50, an entrance gate is part of the Vredebest farm complex, which dates from the 17th century. The gate itself was made in the second half of the 19th century. The two dates therefore refer to different parts of the complex: the origins of the farm and the later construction of the gate.

The brickwork on the farm at Noordweg 39 bears the year 1666. Inside is a richly carved bedstead partition from the time the building was constructed, with tiles beneath it. The date, carving and tiles give the building several specific historic details to look out for. Together with the Dorpskerk and the entrance gate on Overgauwseweg, these sites illustrate different aspects of Pijnacker’s architectural history.

Discover more destinations: Delfgauw, Nootdorp.

For the overview of the wider area: Pijnacker-Nootdorp.