Walking around the Reeuwijkse Plassen

The Reeuwijks Plassen are located in the middle of the Green Heart. This walking route of over 15 kilometers takes you around the Reeuwijkse Plassen and Gouda.

Starting point: Gouda
Did you know that Gouda was referred to for a long time by other names such as Golde, Die Goude, Ter Goude and Tergouw? They all referred to the Gouwe river. Gouda is located on two major rivers: the Gouwe and the Hollandse IJssel. In the past, both rivers played a major role in the history of the city and the sailing connections between Flanders and the Netherlands.

Gouda Hout
The route takes you from Gouda towards the Goudse Hout, a recreation and nature reserve. The area was constructed in the 1980s, with the old subdivision structure from the Middle Ages largely preserved. Parts are planted with trees and shrubs, other parts have an open character. There are also some small lakes.

Reeuwijkse Plassen
Then it is time to cycle to the Reeuwijkse Plassen. The Reeuwijkse Plassen are more than water: the surrounding meadow area is at least as important. The flowery ditch banks in the polder turn colorful in the spring. And the marshy grasslands at the water's edge are an important stopping place for bird species. In winter, tens of thousands of geese hibernate in the area and at the end of winter they are accompanied by swans. In the summer period, the godwit is the ambassador of the polder.