In Maasland, a protected village scene, architectural and milling history come together with opportunities for outdoor activities. The historic centre has protected village-scene status. Museum De Schilpen, the present-day Maria Magdalenakerk and two mills represent different cultural themes: a building’s former use, church architecture and different types of mills. Outdoor activities range from a direct walk into the Maaslandse Bos to routes and boat trips in the Foppenplas area. When planning your trip, you can therefore balance culture, walking and time on the water as you prefer.

Village scene, museum and architectural history

Museum De Schilpen is housed in a former grocery store that operated there for more than 150 years. Its permanent exhibition includes a living room and kitchen in the style of around 1900. These two aspects point to different historical details: the building’s long former use, and the date of around 1900 for the style of the domestic rooms in the exhibition. To understand the museum’s context, you can therefore consider both the history of the building and the domestic setting on display.

The present-day Maria Magdalenakerk came into use on 11 July 1887. E. Margry, a pupil of P.J.H. Cuypers, designed it in the Gothic Revival style, based on the plan of the Roman Catholic church in Sappemeer. Alongside its opening date, three architectural points of reference can be distinguished: Margry’s connection to Cuypers, the Sappemeer model and the Gothic Revival style.

The Dijkmolen stands north of the village: an octagonal polder windmill dating from 1718. Also to the north is De Drie Lelies, a round stone grain mill dating from 1767. The two dates are 49 years apart; the mills also differ clearly in shape and type. When comparing them, you can therefore consider both their dates and the distinction between a polder windmill and a grain mill.

Forest, routes and water

From Maasland, you can walk directly into the Maaslandse Bos. At the Foppenplas, there are other activities to choose from: the area has walking, cycling and inline skating routes, and you can go out on the Foppenplas in a rowing boat or canoe. The options range from a direct walk into the forest to routes using different forms of transport and trips on the water.

As well as a rowing boat or canoe, you can rent an electric sloop from Warbout Rondvaarten. It can be operated without a boating licence and allows you to travel on the Foppenplas and the Vlietlanden. This is another specific option for spending time on the water, with a different type of boat and the destinations mentioned.

Ferry season and return route

The ferry season matters when planning your return route. Outside the ferry season, you can walk back along the Noordvliet; the route is then approximately 6 km long. Check the current ferry service before travelling if your plans depend on it. You can take the approximate distance into account when deciding whether this return route fits into your day’s itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Den Hoorn, Schipluiden.

Return to the main travel overview: Midden-Delfland.