The Nieuwkoopse Plassen are a typically Dutch landscape and, at the same time, a low-peat marshland. Water lilies, yellow water lilies and water soldier plants, as well as otters, roe deer and foxes, can be found in and around the area. As an important habitat, the Plassen are significant for purple herons, green-winged orchids and northern water voles. In the Groene Hart, Nieuwkoop offers opportunities for walking, boating and cycling.

Peatland Landscapes and Museum Highlights

At Museum Nieuwkoop, permanent exhibitions offer insights into blacksmithing, polders, a carpentry workshop, local archaeology and the Oude Hollandse Waterlinie. The history of the present-day peat meadow landscape is also covered: the museum explains how it originated and developed over the centuries. Landscape history and traces of different kinds of human work are presented side by side. You can allow around 45 minutes for a museum visit; this approximate duration may change. A visit can be combined with a bike ride along the Nieuwkoopse Plassen.

The Smederijmuseum Nieuwkoop focuses in particular on the blacksmiths of Nieuwkoop. It presents their history as well as the living and working conditions of the blacksmiths and their families. During a guided tour, blacksmithing is demonstrated using historical methods; the living quarters are also included. While Museum Nieuwkoop covers several themes from the history of the town and its landscape, the Smederijmuseum focuses on life surrounding the smithies.

The Cultuur Historisch Museum Ter Aar explores the history of Ter Aar and its surroundings. Its permanent exhibition includes collections on agriculture and horticulture, peat extraction and the canning industry. Guided tours are available for associations, schools and families, with a minimum of ten people. Arrange group visits with the museum before you arrive. Groups can also take boat trips on the restored Kagenaar “Vrijwilliger”; these must also be arranged in advance.

On the Water and by Bike

To explore the Nieuwkoopse Plassen from the water, you can follow the 8.5-kilometre Otter canoe route by canoe, electric boat or SUP board. Route conditions may change, so check them before setting off. For an excursion on the Plassen, Natuurmonumenten’s boat has been adapted for wheelchair users and can accommodate six wheelchairs. Check what arrangements are needed before your trip.

The “Smakelijk Fietsen – De Smaak van Veenweiden” cycling route is about 40 kilometres long and can also be ridden in sections. Along the way, it passes farms, farm shops, terraces and other welcoming places in the municipality of Nieuwkoop and the surrounding region. Participating businesses may change, so check details of the stops in advance. The Jos Gemmekepad offers another way to discover nature: it is a walking trail named after Jos Gemmeke in the Ruygeborg nature reserve.

History and Views

The Reghthuystoren is the tower of the former house of Nieuwkoop. This slender brick building dates from 1627 and features a balustrade and an intricately designed wooden octagonal top with an open, pear-shaped finial. It can be climbed by groups by prior arrangement; make arrangements before your trip. From the top, you can enjoy views over the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht may also be visible.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Nieuwkoop, Nieuwveen, Woerdense Verlaat, Ter Aar, Zevenhoven, Noorden.

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