Towpath route from TOP Nieuwkoop

Towpath route from TOP Nieuwkoop

This cycle route starts from TOP Nieuwkoop and runs along the rivers Kromme Mijdrecht and the winding Meije and the Nieuwkoopse Plassen.
The municipality of Nieuwkoop was created on excavated peat lands and is characterised by wide lakes, extensive polders and beautiful nature reserves.
The Nieuwkoopse Plassen were created from the 16th century onwards by peat extraction in the area. Peat was dredged on a large scale to be used as turf. In addition to the lakes, the area around Nieuwkoop has many reed fields, which give the eastern part of the area a wide and open character.

Some tips
Farm de Zevensprong
This old farm houses the VVV office and the Historical and Polder Museum. The VVV can provide you with tourist information and routes. The museum shows the history of Nieuwkoop and its surroundings.
Address: Noordenseweg 23. Tel: 0172-571 120

Visitors' Centre Nieuwkoopse Plassen
At about 600 meters distance lies the visitor center of Natuurmonumenten. You will find an interactive exhibition about the marsh nature in the Nieuwkoopse Plassen, a changing exhibition and catering. You can also buy the latest cycling, walking and canoeing map Nieuwkoopse Plassen here.
Address: Reghthuysplein 22. Tel: 0172-52 00 10

Nature reserve De Groene Jonker
The nature reserve De Groene Jonker, opened in 2007, is definitely worth discovering. The diversity in nature provides a special range of meadow and marsh birds. A walking path with various viewpoints runs through the area. In spring and summer you can see the spoonbill spooning together its meal and in winter thousands of ducks and geese hibernate there. A fantastic sight.

Nature experience trail
The Nieuwkoopse Plassen were created by peat extraction. The islands in the lakes have special flora and fauna and are a protected nature reserve. On the island of Geitenkamp you can take a walk on a beautiful nature experience path. You can reach Geitenkamp by canoe, electric or whisper boat from the Plaszicht marina. Address: Dorpsstraat 114. Tel: 0172-571786

Workshop Nature Monuments
On the other side of the Nieuwkoopse Plassen you will find the work shed of Natuurmonumenten at cycle junction 57. The Oudshoornpad starts from the work shed, which goes straight through meadows and over fences. You can also take a walk through the Haeck nature reserve.
You reach the work shed via cycle junction 83 and 57, between these junctions the Zonneveer sails (May to August). By car you drive (from the TOP) via Noorden and Achttienhoven (Bosweg). Address: Hollandsekade 23, Woerdense Verlaat.

For more information about this TOP