De Ronde Venen: Water, Bird Areas and Historic Routes

De Ronde Venen comprises reclaimed peatland and the Vinkeveense Plassen. The Plassen are divided into three lakes; there are also bird areas, trails and historic buildings offering a variety of places to visit. You can plan your trip around water, nature, hiking or architectural history. When looking for a hotel, it helps to consider in advance which of these interests will shape your stay: the options for active days cater to very different preferences.

Experience the Water and Explore the Landscape

At the Vinkeveense Plassen, you can take trips in a sloop, snorkel over submerged legakkers, sail a catamaran and go diving. A picnic on one of the twelve sandy islands is also among the listed leisure activities. Various types of watercraft are available to rent, including sloops, canoes, SUP boards, sailboats and pedal boats. Rental options and the conditions of individual providers may change; check them before making plans.

The landscape at Botshol is quite different: this protected bird area includes peat lakes, narrow ditches, reed beds and swamp forest. Outside the breeding season, you can hike, cycle and canoe there. The Botshol Route is a hiking trail about 14 kilometres long, running along narrow dikes, through reeds and through areas with meadow birds. As weather and seasonal access can affect trail conditions, it is worth checking the current situation before setting out.

Waverhoek offers a shorter trail: a 2.5-kilometre hiking trail runs around this 60-hectare bird area. The area borders Botshol and the Vinkeveense Plassen. It is open year-round free of charge; dogs and bicycles are not allowed. Check the access rules on site before your visit as well. At 2.5 kilometres, the trail is considerably shorter than the approximately 14-kilometre Botshol Route.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The Fortenfietsroute De Ronde Venen starts in Vinkeveen and runs through the Stelling van Amsterdam. Its route passes through Veenweidepolder, past the Vinkeveense Plassen, through deep polders and along the rivers Amstel, Waver, Winkel and Gein. The route uses the cycle junction network and can also be ridden in sections. Route infrastructure and downloadable information may change; check the details before setting out.

The Burgemeestersroute is more than 50 kilometres long and runs through De Ronde Venen, past picturesque villages and special places. Charming roads and distinctive buildings are also part of the route; along the way, it shares information about former mayors. Its various stops and themes give the route a different focus from the Fortenfietsroute, whose description foregrounds landscapes and waterways.

For walks, there are also two routes of different lengths. The Bellopad is 19 kilometres long, runs between Mijdrecht and Abcoude, and passes four former railway stations. Rondje Mijdrecht combines walking with a six-kilometre running course; the main course starts at the town hall. This lets you compare the route lengths and character before planning your days.

Forts, Buildings and Regional History

Fort bij Abcoude was built between 1884 and 1887 and was the first fort constructed as part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. This line of defence was built between 1880 and 1914 and consists of ramparts, forts, dikes and locks. In total, six of the Stelling’s 43 forts are located in the municipality of De Ronde Venen. You can explore Fort bij Abcoude on foot; guided tours showcase its unique brick buildings. Check in advance whether a tour is available during your visit.

The Heilig-Hart-van-Jesuskerk offers a specific point of interest for architecture enthusiasts: Alfred Tepe designed the building, which was built in 1883. On 8 June 2000, the church and its associated rectory were designated national monuments (Rijksmonumenten). Another historic landmark is Spoorhuis Vinkeveen, which opened on 1 December 1915 as a railway station on the line between Nieuwersluis and Uithoorn.

Anyone interested in the region’s history can also plan a visit to the Polder Museum. It preserves a large collection of documents and objects relating to regional history. Visits are possible by appointment; there are no fixed opening hours. Make the necessary appointment before your visit.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Vinkeveen, Mijdrecht, Abcoude, Baambrugge, De Hoef, Vianen, Montfoort, Utrecht.

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