Stork route through De Venen

Stork route through the Fens
This relatively short cycle route runs through the water-rich polders of De Venen. This area - which is part of the Groene Hart - covers the northwestern part of the province of Utrecht and extends to the Nieuwkoopse Plassen in South Holland. The extensive peat meadow area has a typical Dutch character with characteristic, elongated plots. These were created in the 12th century by draining marshes. De Venen is a water-rich area because peat was dug up in various places. The special landscape offers beautiful panoramas with remains of a rich history, such as forts, mills, old ribbon villages, farms with orchards and country estates.
The cycle route starts at the Tourist Transfer Point (TOP) Oortjespad and runs along medieval waterways that lie between small, characteristic villages in De Venen. Oortjespad is named after the road of the same name that used to be an old toll path (an oortje is an old Dutch coin, worth 1/4 stuiver). This road was also a church path until the 19th century, which led to the Roman Catholic clandestine church in Teckop

The route takes you past the small Kamerik and Zegveld, but also through the historic Woerden. The Ooievaarsroute takes you past places where you have the opportunity to see these migratory birds; the places where they look for food or on their nesting poles and roof nests. In the area of the nature reserve de Meije, the meadows along the Hazekade, the Molenweg in Zegveld and at the Oortjespad you have the best chance of spotting a stork. At Oortjespad there is a visitors centre, a petting zoo and catering facilities with terraces on the water. From the TOP there are three other marked cycle routes of around 30-35 km. More information about this can be found at www.toproutenetwerk.nl

Some tips
Lakes of Nieuwkoop
Around the Nieuwkoopse Plassen you can enjoy cycling and walking. This special nature reserve is a true oasis of peace and space for plants, animals and people. There is much to see and experience on and around the water, such as flowery meadows and vast reed fields. In addition, the Nieuwkoopse Plassen are known for their many birds, including the purple heron.
Oortjespad Visitor Center
Information about the area'De Venen\\\' can be found in the Oortjespad Visitors' Centre, right by the TOP. There is much for children to experience and discover. The permanent exhibition answers questions such as which animals live in the ditch and which meadow birds you can hear. There is a petting zoo next to the visitors' centre.
City Museum Woerden
In the former town hall of Woerden you will find Stadsmuseum Woerden. It is a small and atmospheric museum with an interesting collection. Here you will find, among other things, landscapes from the Green Heart of the Hague School and works by important Woerden artists. Address: Kerkplein6, Woerden. Opening hours: Wed and Sat 10:00-17:00, Tue, Thu, Fri and Sun 13:00-17:00.

For more information about this TOP