Kleine Plas, Zuidplas and Noordplas make up the clearly defined group of three lakes known as the Vinkeveense Plassen. There are also boating and diving opportunities, industrial history, and routes to explore on foot or by bike. So your decision to visit Vinkeveen can start with a simple question: should the water take center stage, or are you more interested in cultural heritage and trails?
Three lakes and different ways to get out on the water
The Vinkeveense Plassen consist of the three lakes Kleine Plas, Zuidplas and Noordplas. Boats are available for rent at various locations along the lakes. The selection includes sloops, sailboats, fishing boats and catamarans; you can also rent SUP boards, pedal boats and canoes. The options range from sailing and boating to smaller watercraft.
Diving is also among the activities on offer: there is a dive site at Zandeiland 4. Visibility in the Vinkeveense Plassen can exceed 20 meters. These details offer two concrete points of reference for anyone planning time on the water.
Technology and local history
At Museum De Ronde Venen in Vinkeveen, the Op Hoop van Zegen No. 2 is the most important item in the collection. It is the last fully preserved peat-extraction machine in the Netherlands. It can be seen running on the museum’s opening days. Check the opening days before your visit if you would like to see the machine in operation.
Another technical landmark is the electric Gemaal De Ruiter in Vinkeveen. It is a Rijksmonument, a designated national monument, and was built in the Nieuwe Zakelijkheid style. Both sites offer insight into the history of technology, though they are described in quite different terms: one centers on a peat-extraction machine, while the other is a building with a clearly defined architectural classification.
Spoorhuis Vinkeveen was a railway station on the former line between Aalsmeer and Nieuwersluis; the station building opened in 1915. The Heilig-Hart-van-Jezuskerk offers a different historical focus: Alfred Tepe designed the church, which was built in 1883.
Walking and cycling routes with clear landmarks
The Bellopad is a 19-kilometer walking trail between Mijdrecht and Abcoude. The section between Spoorhuis Vinkeveen and Gemaal De Ruiter is listed as taking one hour to walk. The total distance and the time given therefore refer to different parts of the route: the first to the entire trail, the second to the specified section.
For a cycling trip, the Fortenfietsroute De Ronde Venen starts at the parking lot of the Toeristisch Overstappunt (TOP) Winkelpolder, Vinkenkade 2 in Vinkeveen. It passes forts, a line dike and two batteries. All of these structures were part of the Stelling van Amsterdam. The specific starting point and named sights give the route its own historical focus.
Natural landscape and getting there
Botshol lies between Abcoude and Vinkeveen. This Dutch lowland peat landscape features peat lakes, narrow ditches, reed beds and swamp forest. Natuurmonumenten and IVN offer a range of guided excursions there. If you would like to explore Botshol as part of a guided tour, check the available dates.
The road connections also help with planning: Vinkeveen is on the A2. From Vinkeveen, the N201 takes you to Hilversum or Zandvoort beach in about half an hour. Alongside local water-based activities and cultural experiences, these are two specific destinations to consider for a day trip.
Discover more destinations: Mijdrecht, Abcoude, Baambrugge, De Hoef.
Return to the main travel overview: De Ronde Venen.
