Teylingen: Hiking Trails, Water and Historic Places

In Teylingen, hiking trails, water sports and local history offer distinct ways to explore the area. Rondje Teylingen passes through the village centres of Sassenheim, Voorhout and Warmond; on the Kagerplassen, activities on the water take centre stage. Historic buildings and parks add to these experiences. If you are looking for a hotel in Teylingen, you can plan your trip around the aspects you would most like to experience.

Hiking trails in the village centres and countryside

Rondje Teylingen comprises nine hiking routes, with three each in the village centres of Sassenheim, Voorhout and Warmond. The offering is being developed further. The routes’ distribution across three village centres provides a practical guide when planning walks into your trip. On Koudenhoorn, there is a two-kilometre outer walking trail as well as a quiet area for nature lovers.

In 2025, a walking programme starting at the Dorpskerk in Sassenheim included self-guided tours focusing on religious heritage, following the former Rusthoff estate, along the Heerweg, to notable trees in Park Rusthoff, as well as a family walk. Each tour was listed as taking about an hour. This is a different planning measure from the trail length on Koudenhoorn; if you would like to plan one of these tours today, check whether it is still available.

Park Rusthoff in Sassenheim has a circular path and a pond, and originated as an estate in the late 18th century. Landscape architect J. D. Zocher Jr. laid out the park in the landscape style between 1830 and 1850. This combines an opportunity for a walk with the history of the grounds.

Water, ferry crossing and polder routes

The Kagerplassen are a centuries-old peat-pasture area in the heart of the Randstad. Sailing, trips by sloop, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding are possible there; sightseeing cruises and day trips are also offered. Specific activities may vary by provider. The Natte Kaagweek takes place in July and combines sailing competitions in various classes with celebrations on land. Individual competitions and festivities may change, so it is worth checking the latest event dates. The Turfrace starts in Warmond.

The Zijlpont carries pedestrians and cyclists between Kagerzoom, on the northern edge of Leiden’s Merenwijk, and the Zijldijk along the centuries-old Boterhuispolder. If you include the ferry in your plans, check the current operating schedule and call-up arrangements.

Cycling also reveals different sides of the area: one tour passes several cheese farms and offers the chance to shop locally. Another route through the polders around the Kagerplassen also passes through Leiden. There is also a cycling tour through varied polder landscapes, with windmills and wide-open views. Routes and participating businesses may change; for specific plans, it is advisable to check the current offering.

Village history and architecture

The centre of Warmond is designated a protected village landscape (Rijks beschermd dorpsgezicht). Huys te Warmont was founded around 1303 as a fortified medieval manor. The Bos van Krantz around the house was created in the early 19th century in the English landscape style. Oak avenues, centuries-old yew trees and bodies of water define the grounds. The Oude Toren, a former church, is considered Warmond’s oldest building; it was first mentioned in a book shortly before 1049.

Sassenheim also preserves architectural history from different centuries. The Dorpskerk is the village’s oldest building; a church stood on this site as early as the 12th century. The Sint Pancratiuskerk is a Neo-Gothic cruciform church, designed by Jos Tonnaer of Delft and built in two phases between 1912 and 1929. Huis ter Leede dates from the 17th century. After a fire in 1861, the country house was rebuilt in the eclectic style using the old cellars and masonry.

The Ruïne van Teylingen consists of the remains of a moated castle dating from the 13th century and is linked to medieval history. The circular curtain wall and wide moat remain, revealing the layout of the castle. During the season, the Ruïne opens its gates to the public; you can walk around, enjoy the views and experience the site’s history. Check seasonal opening dates before visiting.

In the Elsgeesterpolder stands Molen Hoop Doet Leven, a national monument (Rijksmonument) dating from 1783 and a prominent landmark in the landscape around Voorhout. It is also a rest stop for hikers and cyclists, including those following Rondje Teylingen. The mill in Sassenheim dates from 1846. Warmelda organises exhibitions and talks in the listed Pastorie De Roekenhof; the programme may change. The Bloemencorso is one of Teylingen’s intangible cultural heritage events.

For your trip, you can choose between specific experiences: a route with a known length, walks with a historical focus, activities on the water or buildings from different periods. For seasonal visits and changing offers, check the latest dates and conditions.

Discover more destinations: Voorhout, Sassenheim, Sassenheim, Warmond, Waddinxveen, Noordwijkerhout, Zuidplas, Krimpen Aan Den Ijssel.

For the broader travel overview: South Holland.