Farmers in the Westland

You can start this route from TOP Vinkeveen (at junction 38 ) or at TOP Winkelpolder (at junction 29 ). Here you can park your car.

The famous Vinkeveense Plassen are located in the De Venen area, which is part of the Green Heart in the northwest of the province of Utrecht. This peat meadow area has a typical Dutch character with characteristic, elongated plots. These were created in the 12th century by draining marshes. The Venen is also a water-rich area because peat has been excavated in various places. Twelve sand islands have been constructed in the lakes. Recreation area Eiland 1 and Eiland 2 in the Vinkeveense Plassen together form the recreation area Winkelpolder. Both islands are accessible via a bridge. With beaches, a canoe boarding point and restaurants on the water, this is an ideal place for recreation. The routes lead you past various forts and the Botshol nature reserve. Along the way you will find beautiful vistas with wide views over the Vinkeveense Plassen. The Vinkeveense Plassen were further deepened in the 1950s for sand extraction for the A2 and the Bijlmer.
A few tips
Museum De Ronde Venen
The museum De Ronde Venen originated from a private collection and shows the landscape developments in this special peat area. The story of the peat cutters and peat bosses is told on the basis of an extensive collection. Here you will also find the last, fully intact peat cutting machine in the Netherlands. Address: Herenweg 240, Vinkeveen. Opening hours: Apr. to Oct. Wed to Sun 2pm-5pm.

Botshol nature reserve
In the Botshol, a nature reserve of Natuurmonumenten, peat meadows, reed land, swamp forest, meadow birds and water lilies play the leading role. The area is only accessible by canoe or rowing boat and only outside the breeding season. The Botshol route has been set out for hikers, which runs along this beautiful nature reserve.
Download the MP3 walking route Botshol (12 km)

The sand islands
Near the TOP are 12 sand islands that are characteristic of the Vinkeveense Plassen. The sand islands 1, 2, 4 and 5 are accessible from the mainland and are fully equipped for outdoor recreation. There are beaches, sunbathing areas, playground equipment, picnic benches and moorings. You can relax here and enjoy the view over the Vinkeveense Plassen. The other islands are only accessible by water.

For more information about this TOP