Country estates and farms

Cheese farms, mills, historic church paths, panoramic views and special meadow birds such as the lapwing and the godwit. It is a small selection of everything that the unique polder landscape of the Groene Hart and Zoeterwoude has to offer. The farmers are the managers of the peat meadow area and the reclaimed land. Several farmers have set up their businesses for visitors. You can walk on farmland paths, take a tour of the farm or explore the area with a farmland guide.

The excellent recreational opportunities in Zoeterwoude are a great attraction for day trippers from the surrounding area. Many people enjoy the peace and quiet in the area by coming here to cycle, sail or walk. Not only the landscape is worth it. This also applies to the cultural-historical ribbon development with mills and monumental farms. Here you can buy products such as cheese, yoghurt and farm ice cream.

The starting point of this route is the Westerpark. With an area of 225 hectares, the Westerpark is the largest park in Zoetermeer. North of the Westerpark, the rugged hills of the Buytenpark form a unique contrast with the polders surrounding it. You can find large grazers here and enjoy the wide panorama over the Groene Hart at the highest point. Together with De Balij, the Dobbeplas and the Delftse Hout, they form Buytenhout, a regional park between Zoetermeer and Delft. The egg-shaped Meerpolder (1616) is the oldest polder in South Holland. The three-mill corridor near Wilsveen shows how the polders used to be drained. In this region you can buy homemade products from various (farming) companies. In the northwest, between the estate zone and the (peat) meadow area, lies the rich nature reserve Vogelplas Starrevaart, part of the 300-hectare Vlietland water sports and recreation area.

Tip 1: Westerpark nature garden
The Nature Garden in the Westerpark provides an image of the landscape in and around Zoetermeer, past and present. Take a walk through the polder with windmills, the griend along reed collars and fields and enjoy the flowery meadows. The alternation of clay and peat in the soil and the different water levels have led to a wide variety of plants.
Internet: www.zoetermeer.nl/natuurtuin

Tip 2: Cheese farm De Vierhuizen Farm
De Vierhuizen is a small organic dairy farm. WildeWeidekaas is made from the milk using traditional methods. This is organic farm cheese of particularly high quality. In 2013 and 2014, WildeWeidekaas even became national champion! Nature management is very important at the company. There are walking paths through the polder and there is a cozy farm shop.
Address: Geerweg 5, Zoeterwoude Internet: www.kaasboerderijdevierhuizen.nl

Tip 3: Duivenvoorde Castle and estate
Duivenvoorde is a unique and still inhabited castle with an estate whose roots date back to the 13th century. It is hidden like a green oasis in a highly urbanized area. There are daily guided tours in the castle museum. The English landscape park - completely restored in 2015 - is rich in stories and has a wealth of special flora and fauna.
Address: Laan van Duivenvoorde 4, Voorschoten Internet: www.kasteelduivenvoorde.nl

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