In Bodegraven-Reeuwijk, a lake landscape shaped by peat extraction and history come together in tangible places. During your stay, you can focus on waterside paths, Roman traces or historic buildings. The various destinations offer different ways to explore the area, from boating and cycling to visiting a museum or fortification.
The Reeuwijkse Plassen: Lakes and Waterside Paths
The Reeuwijkse Plassen consist of 13 lakes formed through peat extraction in the 18th century. Narrow roads separate the bodies of water. The landscape should therefore be understood not as one vast expanse of open water, but as a series of individual lakes. Boating is one of the activities available locally. The lakes are accessible year-round; please follow local signs during your visit.
Cycling routes also offer different focuses. The 24-kilometre “Romeinen & Turfstekers” cycling route starts at TOP Reeuwijkse Hout on Reeuwijkse Houtwal in Reeuwijk. Its length may change if the route is revised. The Smikkelroute combines cycling with stops at farms offering fresh, artisan-made products. Along the way, you can buy food to eat immediately or take home. The two tours therefore differ both in theme and in their stated distance; no distance is given here for the Smikkelroute.
Roman Traces and Historic Buildings
Roman soldiers lived in a fort in Bodegraven, which was probably built in 61 AD. The “Wandeling door Romeins Bodegraven” takes you to places where Roman traces have been found. You can download the route for free; check whether the download is still available before planning your visit. The “Romeinen & Turfstekers” cycling route offers a different perspective on history, bringing together the themes of Romans and peat cutters.
Fort Wierickerschans was built as a defensive structure in 1673. The grounds are generally open to individual visitors free of charge Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Private rentals may affect access, so it is advisable to confirm in advance. The Kruithuis inside the fort dates from 1747 and has been preserved in its original condition. It contains an exhibition space; workshops and small presentations may also take place there.
De Schansen van Nieuwerbrug also recall the history of defence: during the Rampjaar, the dikes along the Rhine were defended on both sides. Prince Willem III's headquarters were based there. The Oukoopse Molen adds a technical monument to these historic sites. The polder windmill dates from around 1674 and is a Rijksmonument. Its watercourse was restored in 2019; it is fully capable of milling on a voluntary basis.
Museum, Stage and Brewery Tour
The Streekmuseum Reeuwijk is housed in a farmhouse dating from 1907. Its permanent exhibition explains how the Reeuwijkse Plassen were formed through peat extraction in Reeuwijk and Sluipwijk. There is also a changing exhibition each season. The museum therefore focuses both on the formation of the landscape and on changing themes.
Local dance schools, theatre groups, bands and other groups perform at the Evertshuis; the programme may change. If you are interested in a brewery tour, Brouwerij De Molen offers a specific option: the tour lasts 80 to 90 minutes and must be booked in advance. It includes a visit to the new brewery near the mill and a tasting of three beers. Tour details may change, so it is advisable to check before booking.
Getting Your Bearings During Your Stay
A few arrival and starting points can also help with planning. Bodegraven NS railway station is a two-minute walk from the Evertshuis. The Linie-Ploeter route also starts at the station. These details provide convenient reference points without implying a particular order for your visits. Choose a route according to its focus: Roman sites on the walking route, the link between Romans and peat cutters on the cycling route, or farm products along the Smikkelroute. If you plan to visit the fort grounds, also take the access information into account.
Discover more destinations: Bodegraven, Reeuwijk, Nieuwerbrug aan Den Rijn, Hillegom, Katwijk, Westland, Leidschendam-Voorburg, Leiderdorp.
For the regional travel overview: South Holland.
