Top 20 Lakes around Schipluiden
Best lakes around Schipluiden are found within a landscape shaped by polders and waterways in the South Holland province. This area offers a blend of natural and recreational water features, often integrated into broader nature reserves and parks. The proximity to Delft and other towns means these lakes provide accessible options for outdoor activities. Visitors can find diverse water environments, from natural forest lakes to designated swimming and recreation areas.
Best lakes around Schipluiden
- The most popular lakes is Broekpolder…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area
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Staelduinse Forest
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Foppenplas
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I featured this spot in a road cycling vlog on YouTube:
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Wilhelminapark Delft
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View of the Binnenhof and the Hofvijver
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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
Are there family-friendly lakes and recreational areas near Schipluiden?
Yes, several lakes and recreational areas are excellent for families. The Grote Plas Delftse Hout in Delft offers a large swimming lake with sandy areas, shady trees, and grassy spots for picnics, plus a family-friendly restaurant with a playground. The Krabbeplas in Vlaardingen features a sandy beach, playground equipment, and extensive grassy areas. For accessibility, Prinsenbos in Naaldwijk has a small swimming lake with a sandy beach, playground, and a buggy and wheelchair-friendly path around the lake.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes near Schipluiden?
The region offers diverse natural features. You can explore the dense and varied forest with water bodies at Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area. The Staelduinse Forest, a unique natural forest on a sand ridge, features beech avenues, dune grasslands, and is known for mushrooms and bats. Many areas also include polder landscapes and waterways.
Are there good places for walking or hiking near the lakes?
Absolutely. The Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area is highly recommended for hiking due to its varied landscape. You can also enjoy a pleasant walk along the Path along the Dobbeplas, which encircles the lake and offers viewpoints. For more extensive options, you can find various hiking routes in the region, including those around the Woudse Bos and polders. Explore more options on the Hiking around Schipluiden guide.
Can I go cycling around the lakes?
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Foppenplas is particularly noted for its cycle path, offering 360-degree views from its bridge. The broader area around Schipluiden is well-suited for cycling, with many routes integrating lakes and waterways. For more cycling adventures, check out the Road Cycling Routes around Schipluiden guide.
Are there any historical or cultural sites near the lakes?
The Staelduinse Forest is considered a natural monument and has historical significance, formed on an ancient sand ridge. It's also home to bunkers where bats reside. The Wilhelminapark Delft, though not ancient, was built in the 1930s as a job creation project, designed in the English landscape style with specific planting systems.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Schipluiden?
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural settings, from dense forests to open polder landscapes. Many enjoy the opportunities for active recreation like hiking and cycling, especially the scenic views from places like the bridge at Foppenplas. The family-friendly amenities at recreational lakes like Grote Plas Delftse Hout and Prinsenbos are also highly valued.
Are there accessible trails or paths around the lakes for buggies or wheelchairs?
Yes, Prinsenbos in Naaldwijk features a buggy and wheelchair-friendly path that encircles its small lake, making it accessible for a leisurely walk for everyone.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, several recreational areas have dining options. At Grote Plas Delftse Hout, you'll find two restaurants, Knus and Het Rieten Dak, with Knus being particularly family-friendly. The Krabbeplas also has a restaurant on its beach. Additionally, you might find ice cream vendors at popular spots like Prinsenbos during warmer months.
What kind of watersports can I do at these lakes?
The recreational lakes are popular for various watersports. Grote Plas Delftse Hout and Krabbeplas are well-known for swimming. Krabbeplas is also a spot for surfing. Many of the lakes and waterways are suitable for activities like paddleboarding or canoeing, though specific rental information would need local inquiry.
Are there any mountain biking opportunities near the lakes?
Yes, the Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area is noted as an MTB park and offers a varied terrain that is popular with mountain bikers, especially on weekends. For more detailed routes, you can explore the Gravel biking around Schipluiden guide.
What is the best time to visit the lakes around Schipluiden?
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and watersports, the summer months (June to August) are ideal. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful foliage changes. Even in winter, some areas like Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area provide serene walking experiences.
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