Oud-Poelgeest lies on the old beach ridge, which runs through Oegstgeest from south to north. The landscape and local history meet here: in the Middle Ages, a Thuijs te Poelgheest stood by the waterway Mare, now called Haarlemmertrekvaart. The different names refer to different periods in this history.
Country Estates and Churches with a Long History
Kasteel Endegeest was first mentioned in 1305. A new building replaced the medieval castle in 1647; after later alterations, this building still stands today. The Willibrorduskerk, popularly known as the Groene Kerkje, has a different building history. Its name comes from ivy planted against the church walls toward the end of the 19th century. The present church building, including its tower, was built as early as 1662 and 1663.
Oud-Poelgeest can also be viewed from more than one perspective: the estate is open to walkers free of charge, although access arrangements may change. The coach house contains a hotel and restaurant. This brings the historic grounds together with a specific dining option on site, without the history of the country estate fading into the background.
Woodland Park, Water and Bird Habitat
The eight-hectare Rhijngeest woodland park is near Oegstgeest’s town hall. Its variety of plants, trees and birds is supported by different soils of sand, clay and peat. More than a hundred mushroom species can be found there in autumn. The season changes how the same grounds appear: at that time, the variety of mushrooms is particularly prominent alongside the woodland park itself.
A different kind of landscape awaits you in the 20-hectare Polders Poelgeest, beside the new residential districts of Leiden and Oegstgeest. This wetland and reedbed area is now an important bird habitat. Walking trails and bridges provide access to the area; there is also a landing stage for canoes and sloops. Trails may be altered during maintenance work, and access to the landing stage may change. If you plan to use these facilities, check the current situation before your visit.
The Klinkenbergerplas was formed by sand extraction. A 2.8-kilometre walk goes around the lake and starts at hiking junction 05 or 07. The deep southern lake is suitable for swimming, fishing and diving. Check local safety conditions before swimming or diving.
Choose Walks by Distance and Interest
The available trails vary in length and character. For a walk through the grounds of Endegeest and Rhijngeest, there is a free downloadable two-kilometre route; check whether it is available before your visit. The loop around the Klinkenbergerplas is 2.8 kilometres long. A six-kilometre walk passes places where Jan Wolkers lived, played, went to school or worked. It runs through green spaces for much of its length, alongside paths and avenues.
The eight-kilometre “Landgoedwandelen: Oegstgeest” route partly follows the beach ridge. It passes the castles of Oud-Poelgeest and Endegeest, the grounds of Rijngeest and the Bos van Wijckerslooth; it also goes through Leidse Hout city park. The municipality of Oegstgeest bought the Bos van Wijckerslooth in 1949 and opened it to the public as a walking park. Since its historical opening does not guarantee current access, check trail signs and access arrangements in advance of your walk.
The Krekenpad Haaswijk en Groene Kerkje offers another way to explore the area. It passes the creeks in Haaswijk, which date from the time when the (Oude) Rijn was still a tidal river more than a thousand years ago. The Romeinse Limespad, part of the nationwide walking trail network, also runs through Oegstgeest. Cyclists can use a network of recreational cycling routes with numbered junctions. If you are planning a specific route, check the route details in advance.
Discover more destinations: Oegstgeest, Papendrecht, Goedereede, Zoetermeer, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Hellevoetsluis, Nederlek, Rijnwoude.
To the main travel overview: South Holland.
