Zuidplas: Cycling Routes, Polder Landscapes and Waterways

Zuidplas combines natural and recreational areas with a landscape shaped by water and polders. Different priorities may guide your plans: marked trails, longer cycling tours, nature watching or historic structures. This lets you connect your choice of hotel with the question of which experiences you want to shape your stay.

A landscape between polders and water

The GroenBlauwe Zone is located in the municipality of Zuidplas, directly borders Westergouwe in the municipality of Gouda and covers about 45 hectares. It was created as a nature and recreation zone and is being developed in phases. About 55 percent of the area is accessible via a network of walking and cycling paths and footbridges. As access may change during the work, check local notices before your visit.

The waterways also give the landscape its character. The Hollandsche IJssel runs through the Zuidplas area; the Rotte, a river that flows through a peatland area, also passes through Zuidplas. The Ringvaart is bordered by peat dikes, and several polder pumping stations discharge their water into this waterway. In the Restveengebied, local residents, walkers and cyclists can find peace and space.

Koornmolengat is a peaty area with carr woodland and distinctive flora. Its wildlife includes waterbirds and nesting cormorants. The protected area can only be visited as part of a guided tour; check the current schedule in advance.

Exploring on foot and by bike

Zuidplas is part of the Hof van Delfland walking network, which comprises a total of 900 kilometres of walking paths. Park Hitland offers a specific route: the five-kilometre trail is marked with green signs reading “5KM”. You can join the route at any point. Before setting out, check whether temporary diversions apply.

Park Hitland offers opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, horse riding, skating, playing and golf. The activities cater to different interests, so you do not have to limit yourself to just one way of enjoying the outdoors. Before you arrive, check the applicable rules and specific facilities for the activity you have planned.

Several cycling routes in Zuidplas pass historic monuments and scenic places, among other sights. The designated routes vary considerably in length: the Zevenhuizen – Moerkapelle – Zevenhuizerplas – Zevenhuizen route is 23 kilometres long, Nieuwerkerk (Hitland) – Moordrecht – Zuidplaspolder – Nieuwerkerk is 31 kilometres, and Moordrecht – Moerkapelle – Zevenhuizerplas – Nieuwerkerk – Moordrecht is 37 kilometres. This lets you compare the distance of your planned ride using specific route information. Signage and trail conditions may change.

Waterways and sports

The Tour de Zuidplas travels by water and comprises five story-led stages that let you experience Zuidplas from its waterways. If you plan to take this tour, check your individual access to the water before setting off. This keeps the idea of the stages separate from the practical preparations.

Golfbaan Hitland has an 18-hole golf course. Check the current booking and operating conditions before playing a round. The Willem-Alexander Baan offers another sporting attraction: it meets the international requirements of the World Rowing Federation.

Windmills and historical heritage

The Molenviergang in the Tweemanspolder in Zevenhuizen consists of four windmills connected in a row. Together, they regulated the polder’s water level for almost two centuries. This example shows how closely the history of the windmills is connected to water management in the landscape.

Stinzentuin Moordrecht is located near the Hollandsche IJssel, next to a former orphanage. Historic ships are moored in Werkhaven Hitland, most of them dating from around 1900. Access to the harbour and the ships may vary. The former production of bricks and roof tiles is also part of regional history: one of the brickworks and tile works established along the Hollandsche IJssel in the 19th century was located on the edge of Hitland-Noord below the IJsseldijk.

Discover more destinations: Nieuwerkerk Aan Den Ijssel, Moerkapelle, Zevenhuizen, Waddinxveen, Lansingerland, Albrandswaard, Rotterdam, Bernisse.

For the wider travel overview: South Holland.