Weipoort route from TOP Voorschoten

TOP Voorschoten - at Van der Valk hotel De Gouden Leeuw - is located in the middle of the Duin Horst & Weide area. This open area between The Hague and Leiden extends all the way from the coast in the west to the Groene Hart inland. The relatively young dunes on the coast form a valuable nature reserve with various functions: water extraction, coastal reinforcement and recreation. The first settlements took place on the old beach walls (horsten) around 2000 BC. Around 1200 AD, castles were built at strategic places in the area, including Duivenvoorde Castle. Due to the higher and drier location of the beach walls, the first villages arose here, such as Wassenaar and Voorschoten. From the 17th century, the country estates with country estates were built on the beach walls. In the east, the area flows into the reclaimed land and the open peat meadow area of the Groene Hart.

Tip 1: Castle Duivenvoorde
Duivenvoorde probably derives its name from the rivers Duve (or Dobbe) and the Voor, between which the castle originated. In 1226'Duvenvoirt\\\' is mentioned for the first time in a deed. Around 1631 the castle got its current shape. The castle can only be visited with a guided tour. You can walk on the estate all year round - with an entrance ticket.
Address: Laan van Duivenvoorde 4, Voorschoten. Telephone: 071 - 561 37 52. Internet: www.kasteelduivenvoorde.nl

Tip 2: Voorstraat (Voorschoten)
The Voorstraat - recognizable by the characteristic lime trees and old houses - is the medieval heart of Voorschoten. At the time, the street was set up extra wide to make room for the market. Not only horses were traded, but also poultry and products such as salt and medicinal herbs.

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