North of Oud-Loosdrecht, Vuntus transitions from open water in the east to narrow ditches with old legakkers and peat woodland. This makes the landscape a distinctive feature of a stay: water, peatland and traces of earlier use lie side by side. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Oud-Loosdrecht, you can first consider whether your stay will focus on nature experiences on the water, local history, or both.
Vuntus and the traces of peat extraction
The landscape of peat-cutting pits around Oud-Loosdrecht is still clearly visible. Legakkers and peat-cutting pits were created through peat extraction; the landscape therefore also tells the story of how the peatland was used. In Vuntus, flower-rich hay meadows add to the scene: they lie in the eastern part of the area, where Limousin cattle graze in summer. The area is managed with nature in mind.
The canoe route at Vuntus runs for about five kilometres along the shore. Water mint and yellow irises grow there. The route is marked by numbered signs on blue posts and takes about two hours. A canoe rental provider in Loosdrecht or Vuntusstrand at the end of Vuntuslaan can serve as a starting point. Check the available starting points before setting out so that your plans match the current situation.
Distinguishing canoe routes and walking paths
In addition to the Vuntus canoe route, there is an Oud-Loosdrecht canoe and SUP route. It is marked in one direction with hexagonal signs and has several canoe landing stages along the way. It passes legakkers and willow trees, through peat woodland and across the open waters of the Loosdrechtse Plassen. The two routes have different points of focus: for the Vuntus route, the approximate duration and waterside plants are useful reference points; for the canoe and SUP route, the landscape sections and landing stages shape the description.
If you prefer to explore on foot, you can follow the Rondje Vuntus. The walking route runs along the Oud-Loosdrechtsedijk into the centre of Oud-Loosdrecht. This gives you different ways of exploring the area as you plan your visit, without having to combine every activity into a single outing.
Local history and cultural events
Oud-Loosdrecht originated in the late Middle Ages as a settlement devoted to draining and cultivating the peatland. Archaeological finds also tell the story of the area: an excavation uncovered the foundations of firing rooms and a 5-by-50-metre workshop building. They are connected with Loosdrecht porcelain production from 1774 to 1784.
The former Reformed church of Oud-Loosdrecht replaced a medieval church on the same site. The history of the former church includes an organ from Barsingerhorn, made in 1867 by Flaes & Brunjes. For anyone interested in local history, alongside traces of peat extraction there are also reminders of the area’s religious and craft heritage. Oud-Loosdrecht cemetery is a peaceful place for reflection in the village centre, which has come alive again, and welcomes visitors.
Licht & Kunst Loosdrecht takes place in Oud-Loosdrecht every year. The atmospheric events bring young and old together. If this event matters to your trip, check the dates in advance; its annual return does not by itself indicate the dates for a particular stay.
Connections for planning
The Fietsboot connects Porseleinhaven in Oud-Loosdrecht with De Strook in Breukeleveen and carries passengers with or without bicycles. It is also suitable for walkers, wheelchair users and users of mobility scooters; this suitability may change depending on the vessel in service. The Fietsboot operates seasonally, so check the connection and suitable facilities before your trip. This lets you plan the ferry crossing and other activities separately, rather than assuming fixed times without checking.
For a stay focused on Vuntus, the main attractions are a canoe route of about two hours and the waterside landscapes described above. Local history and events offer different points of interest; the cemetery also provides a quiet place in the village centre. These differences can help you choose Oud-Loosdrecht to suit your travel interests and then find a holiday rental for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Ankeveen, Breukeleveen, Loosdrecht, ’S-Graveland, Nederhorst Den Berg, Kortenhoef, Nieuw-Loosdrecht.
Go to the overview of the wider area: Wijdemeren.
