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Wetland nature

Water, meadows and Dutch skies

Cows and sheep are grazing in the meadow, birds are chirping and the farmer is mowing the grass. In the rural environment of the polders, surrounded by a large area of lakes, you will experience an oasis of peace. With beautiful Dutch skies, characteristic windmills and the rural character, walking and cycling and especially boating are a feast!

 

The Kager Lakes

Experience the Kager lakes and discover the endless possibilities!

On the lakes, you can imagine yourself in a typical Dutch setting with windmills, islands, picturesque villages and beautiful views of the vast polders. A wonderful place to relax and enjoy the silence, the scenery, or a nice drink at a pleasant terrace. Fancy some action?  The lakes are very popular with active water sports enthusiasts. They are ideal for surfing, surfing, rowing or water skiing.

In short, the perfect place for a day on or near the water!

Sailing on the Kaag

Getting onto the water yourself?

Enjoying the water with a sailboat, sloop, motorboat, canoe or SUP? When you see the map of Warmond, you will want to explore the area by water. And by the way, you cannot reach many polders by other means. You can go in all directions!

An island in the lakes

From picturesque Warmond, the characteristic wooden bridge takes you to the uninhabited recreation island of Koudenhoorn. A place where hikers, cyclists and nature lovers can enjoy peace, space and the view over the surrounding water. The quiet area on Koudenhoorn is a breeding ground for numerous birds.

In the middle of the island are the Kids' Play Forest and the Koudenhoorn Horse Stable, part of the De Kloosterhof petting zoo.When the weather is nice, you can take a dip in the surrounding water from the beach, or enjoy the beach fun and the view from a terrace.  Or take a trip on the antique saloon boat De Heere Schouten. You can also reach the island by boat for a snack and a drink or a visit to the cosy village!

Koudenhoorn Island

Cycling and strolling through polders and along lakes

  • Lakes and waterways

    Lakes and waterways

    This route combines the beautiful gems that make the Bulb Region unique. Characteristic Dutch villages, lakes, ponds, rivers and canals, varied with extensive polders.

    Check this cycle route

  • Around the Kager Lakes

    Around the Kager Lakes

    The lake area near Kaag is absolutely worth a visit. Take a bike ride through this beautifully varied area of polders, lakes and charming villages and discover this side of the Bulb Region!

    Check this cycle route

  • Lakes around Warmond

    Lakes around Warmond

    Would you like to enjoy the water-rich environment around Warmond? You will cycle through Dutch polder landscapes with windmills and have a beautiful view over the water in many places.

    Check the cycle routes

  • Living heritage route

    Living heritage route

    This cycle/hike route leads through the village and to 'Het Lage Land', the centuries-old polders on the other side of the Kagerplassen. The route starts at VVV Warmond at the municipal harbour.

    Cycle/hiking route

  • Lake Klinkenberg

    Lake Klinkenberg

    Between Warmond and Oegstgeest is an old sand excavation: Lake Kinkenberger. In the 80s of the 20th century, the lake was laid out for recreational use. You can swim and walk there.

    Check this route

  • Embankment walk

    Embankment walk

    Walk across the embankments of the Lisser Poel, which was reclaimed around 1623. The former island Rooversbroek became mainland. The Embankment walk is situated partly in Sassenheim and partly in Lisse.

    Check this route

  • Polder walk Lisse

    Polder walk Lisse

    This day walk is largely unpaved. Wear good walking shoes as this walk takes you across meadows and a grassy embankment where cattle graze.

    Check this route

  • Zwanburg Route

    Zwanburg Route

    Get on a ferry from the island Koudenhoorn to the Zwanburgerpolder with the nostalgic saloon boat De heere Schouten.

    Hiking and boating route

Meadow birds

In spring, the meadow birds come to the peat meadow areas from their winter locations in Africa and Southern Europe. The black-tailed godwit is usually the first to arrive, swiftly followed by the lapwing, redshank and oystercatcher. Unfortunately, their numbers have been declining for years.

More and more farmers are making an effort to preserve meadow birds. For example, by providing herb-rich grassland and rough manure, by constructing wetland areas and by mowing later in the season. In this way, they help meadow birds to breed in peace and to raise their young safely.

The bulb fields are also a suitable breeding ground for many birds. Partridges, skylarks and yellow wagtails make their nests among the tulips and hyacinths in the spring. Lapwings and oystercatchers also feel perfectly at home in the bulb fields.

If you want to enjoy the birds during the breeding season, help them preserve and do not disturb them. Leave your dog at home or at least on a leash, stay on the paths and don't litter.

Grutto in de Boterhuispolder

Homegrown products

You often come across them in the polders and in the countryside. Roadside stalls filled with home-grown products such as flowers, potatoes or fresh eggs. But also the farm shops with their fresh assortment of products, supplemented with seasonal delicacies, are nice to visit and to experience the pure flavours.

Discover the traditional products of our region! 

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