Discover De Hoef: River Routes, Hiking and History

De Hoef can be explored through a range of highlights: the meandering De Kromme Mijdrecht river runs alongside the village, and there are named hiking, cycling and canoe routes. Sports competitions, a farm shop with a farm terrace and historic landmarks add to the picture. The routes vary in length, mode of travel and starting points.

Waterways and Local History

The Pondskoekersluis in De Hoef connects the Kerkvaart with De Kromme Mijdrecht. Another engineering structure is the Dieselgemaal, built in 1914 on the foundations of the former Bloklandse molen and now a monument. Together, the lock and pumping station represent different aspects of local history: the connection between waterways and a structure with a specific date of construction.

The Church of St Anthony of Padua is also historically significant: it is listed as a Rijksmonument. Its organ was built in 1829 by W. Beekes for the Roman Catholic church in Breukelen and moved to De Hoef in 1950. This makes it possible to trace the instrument’s history across two places and two dates, without confusing the move with the year it was built.

Hiking, Cycling and Paddling

The Kazan & Lindenhorst Route is a 12 km circular hiking trail between De Hoef and Nieuwveen. It starts at route point Pondskoekersluis in De Hoef. The “Langs de Kromme Mijdrecht” hike is 18.6 km long and follows the winding river for most of the way. The two routes therefore offer contrasting options: a 12 km circular trail between two places and an 18.6 km route that follows the river for most of its length.

The Jaagpad cycling route is 49.7 km long and can start at the TOP Pondskoekersluis near De Hoef. After crossing the Kromme Mijdrecht, it follows the river again. Its distance sets it apart from the two hikes and the 20 km canoe route; it also offers cycling as its mode of travel. You can choose a route according to your preferred way of getting around and the distance you want to cover.

The Kromme Mijdrecht Route is a 20 km canoe route. An alternative starting point is the TOP Pondskoekersluis at De Hoef Oostzijde 1; there is a car park and a canoe landing stage there. Check its condition before setting off. The stated starting point can help with planning, while the local conditions of the car park and landing stage should be checked on site.

Sports and Refreshments

All De Hoef Sportief activities start at or near De Strooppot, Oostzijde 42–43, 1426 AE De Hoef. They include a 1 km open-water swimming competition in the Kromme Mijdrecht. “Hoefs Vlettentrekken,” a rowing competition on the same waterway, is also held by De Hoef Sportief. The two competitions differ in discipline: one is swimming, the other rowing.

The “41 van de Hoef” recreational triathlon comprises 1 km of swimming, 30 km of cycling and 10 km of running. Its swimming distance is the same as that of the open-water swimming competition; cycling and running are additional disciplines. This comparison makes the different formats clear without presenting them as a single event.

Another specific place to visit is Landwinkel De Lindenhorst, which has a farm terrace. Buttermilk and freshly baked cheese sandwiches are served there. So, alongside routes and sports events, your trip planning can include a named place with a specific food offering.

Discover more destinations: Mijdrecht, Baambrugge, Abcoude, Vinkeveen

For the broader travel overview: De Ronde Venen.