The lift bridge in Waddinxveen spans the Gouwe. The riveted steel lift bridge and its associated bridge keeper’s house were built in 1935–1936. Its prominent position in the landscape and its rarity as one of the few well-preserved lift bridges make it a valuable example of cultural and architectural history from the mid-1930s.

Water, paths and green spaces

The landscape of Waddinxveen combines straight polder fields with woodland, marshes and unspoilt peat meadows. The lively village centre also shapes the townscape. One water-rich area to explore is ’t Weegje in the south of the municipality: this green peatland, covering about 60 hectares, lies between the Gouwe, Ringvaart and railway line. Its large peat lake is surrounded by walking paths, pollarded willows and marsh vegetation. In the area, you can walk, go boating, play and fish.

Another waterside landscape can be found in the Vredenburghzone along the Zuidelijke Rondweg. This water-rich area is home to a variety of bird species, and natural paths lead there. Along the section of the zone by Vredenburghlaan, a walking path runs past platforms where you can rest. The path is accessible from Plasweg and IJsermanweg. The zone is being developed in several phases into a nature and recreation area. Its facilities include a fenced dog exercise area with water and play equipment for dogs; some details may change.

Between Boskoop and Waddinxveen lies the Gouwebos, established in the 1980s, with extensive woodland, sunbathing lawns and natural play areas. In the nature play area, stepping stones cross the water, and there is also a water pump. Older children can enjoy a climbing structure with an observation tower and zip line. A signposted route, “Groen voor iedereen Gouwebos”, is 1.5 kilometres long and has benches for breaks, as well as opportunities for birdwatching.

There is also a route called “Groen Voor Iedereen” in ’t Weegje. It includes an accessible boardwalk leading to a birdwatching hide with several observation levels. The marked route has wide, accessible paths that can be used in wet weather and by people with disabilities, including wheelchair users.

Remembrance and culture

At the De Naald monument, local history comes together with an annual day of remembrance. The monument was erected in 1947 in memory of all civilians and military personnel who lost their lives as a result of acts of war and terror since the outbreak of the Second World War. Every year on 4 May, residents gather there for a commemorative event.

For further insight into local remembrance history, the Historisch Genootschap Waddinxveen first published a route along local war memorials in 2022; it was later updated. Check whether the route is available before you travel.

Culture and exercise also come together on “Parel aan de Gouwe”: the cultural route runs through Waddinxveen. The cycling route of the same name starts and ends at Waddinxveen Centrum station and can be divided into a 12-kilometre northern section or a 13-kilometre southern section. This gives you two specifically named sections to choose from; the distances may change if the route is revised. Check the details before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Waddinxveen, Waddinxveen, Leiden, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Delft, Oostflakkee, Krimpen Aan Den Ijssel, Rijnwoude.

Go to the main travel overview: South Holland.