Top 20 Lakes around Westland
Best lakes around Westland, a region in the Netherlands, offers diverse natural landscapes and recreational opportunities. This area is characterized by its polder lands, forests, and water features, including several lakes. Visitors can explore a mix of natural areas, historical sites, and family-friendly trails. The region provides settings for cycling, walking, and enjoying the local flora and fauna.
Best lakes around Westland
- The most popular lakes is Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area, an other natural area that features dense and varied forest. It is a nice area for a hike, but mountain bikers are also present, especially on weekends.
- Another must-see spot is Path along the Dobbeplas, a trail with a lake and viewpoints. This area offers a lovely walk from the center of Delft to the beautiful nature of Delftse Hout and its surroundings.
- Visitors also love Foppenplas, a lake with a cycle way and viewpoints. This area is considered spectacular for bike riding, offering 360-degree views from its bridge.
- Westland is known for its recreational lakes, natural parks, and forest lakes. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, suitable for different outdoor activities.
- The lakes around Westland are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 225 upvotes and 44 photos shared across 4 highlights.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area
Highlight • Natural
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Staelduinse Forest
Highlight • Forest
Source: Walking guide - Deltapad
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Foppenplas
Highlight • Lake
I featured this spot in a road cycling vlog on YouTube:
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Wilhelminapark Delft
Highlight • Parking
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View of the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Popular around Westland
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MTB Trails around Westland
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Tips from the Community
You are allowed to take your dog with you, as long as it is leashed. There are two hills with semi-natural stairs that are pretty steep.
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Supposedly the office of our prime minister. Although quite small compared to other heads of state, the prime minister in Holland is not the head of state, as that role is assumed by the king. The king himself, however, is not allowed to make state decisions.
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A small lake in the center of The Hague, right next to the Binnenhof. Unfortunately, the view is currently somewhat limited due to construction work.
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The Broekpolder was once a peat meadow polder with a number of dairy farmers. The word 'broek' (brouck) refers to the original peat bog at this location. Vlaardingen was a growing city in the 1950s and there were plans to make housing possible in the Broekpolder. To achieve this, the area first had to be raised. This was done between 1958 and 1976 with dredged material. Later, this soil layer turned out to be too polluted to be able to realize a residential area here. Housing construction was therefore off the table. The area was then given a green design. It was partly planted with production forest and for another part nature did its own work. The polder was thus given a new life as a nature and recreation area.
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The Broekpolder is a beautiful 400 ha. large and green nature and recreation area. You can walk, cycle, mountain bike, skate, play and do sports here. Close to the city of Vlaardingen and surrounded by the water of the Vlaardingse Vaart and the Vlieten, it is a very valuable green spot for residents in the region. The Broekpolder offers a diverse landscape of polder, forest and large lakes where many water birds live and winter. The Broekpolder is also the habitat of a large herd of Scottish Highlanders. In addition, there are more than 30 sports clubs for young and old. The four Vlaardingen scouting groups have also been given a new joint home in the Broekpolder. Source: https://www.broekpolder-vlaardingen.nl/over-ons
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One of the few "forests" near Rotterdam. This route is designed so that as much as possible can be walked on footpaths. There is only one steep climb.
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Nice piece of forest for both walking and cycling
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In the middle of this court pond lies a small island. Some students once shot paper darts with cannabis seeds and compost in them with blowpipes. As a result, a cannabis plantation spontaneously grew in the court pond.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see around the lakes in Westland?
The Westland region, known for its polder lands, features diverse natural landscapes around its lakes. You can find dense and varied forests, grasslands, wetlands, and scrub areas. For example, the Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area offers a mix of forest and open spaces, while the Staelduinse Forest is notable as the only remaining natural forest in the Westland, with beech avenues and dune grasslands.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes in Westland?
Yes, several lakes in Westland offer family-friendly options. The Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area, Staelduinse Forest, Foppenplas, and the Path along the Dobbeplas are all categorized as family-friendly. These areas are suitable for walks, cycling, and enjoying nature with children.
What historical or cultural sites can be found near the lakes?
The Staelduinse Forest is a notable historical site, created after 1850 on a sand ridge. It features beech avenues and is home to various bats that emerge from bunkers in the area, hinting at its past. The Wilhelminapark Delft, while not directly a historical site, was built in the 1930s as a job creation project with an English landscape style design.
What kind of walking and hiking trails are available around the lakes?
You'll find a variety of walking and hiking trails. The Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area is a nice area for a hike with varied terrain. The Path along the Dobbeplas offers a lovely walk from Delft's center into nature. For more options, you can explore various hiking routes in the region, including easy to moderate trails like the 'Staelduinse Forest – Staelduinse Forest loop', which you can find more about in the Hiking around Westland guide.
Are there opportunities for cycling around the lakes in Westland?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Foppenplas is particularly spectacular for bike riding, offering 360-degree views from its bridge. You can also find dedicated cycle ways in the region. For more cycling routes, including easy to moderate options, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Westland guide.
Can I go mountain biking near the lakes in Westland?
Yes, mountain biking is possible, especially in areas like the Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area, though it can be busy with mountain bikers on weekends. There are also specific MTB trails in the wider Westland area, such as the 'Broekpolder Mountain Bike Trail – Along the Foppenplas loop'. You can find more details in the MTB Trails around Westland guide.
What are some notable viewpoints around the lakes?
The Foppenplas offers a bridge with spectacular 360-degree views of the area. The Path along the Dobbeplas also features viewpoints, allowing you to take in the natural beauty of Delftse Hout and its surroundings.
Are there any wheelchair-accessible paths near the lakes?
Yes, the Foppenplas is noted for having wheelchair-accessible paths, making it a good option for visitors with mobility needs to enjoy the lake and its surroundings.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes in Westland?
Visitors appreciate the diverse and varied natural areas, such as the dense forests and open spaces. Many enjoy the peaceful walks and the opportunity for cycling, especially the scenic views from places like the Foppenplas bridge. The region's blend of natural beauty and recreational opportunities, even close to urban centers like Delft, is highly valued.
Are there any specific tips for visiting the Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area?
The Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area is known for its beautiful, dense, and varied forest, making it a great spot for a hike. However, be aware that it can get busy with mountain bikers, especially on weekends.
What is unique about the Staelduinse Forest?
The Staelduinse Forest is unique as the only remaining natural forest in the Westland. It was formed on a sand ridge and features distinctive beech avenues. It's also a habitat for various bats and offers a chance to see many mushrooms and stinze plants.
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