Harmelen can be explored from a range of perspectives: natural areas, historic buildings and traces of water management each offer a different focus. Routes also vary in terms of how you travel and the type of surface. This lets you focus on nature, local history, or a hike or bike ride during your stay.
Nature and Landscape
The Vijverbos consists mainly of coppiced ash woodland and bodies of water. It also includes deciduous woodland, grassland and an orchard. This diverse mix of open and dense, wet and dry habitats is home to many species of plants and animals. The landscape is therefore not limited to a single type of woodland.
De Kievit lies on the western side of the municipality of Harmelen, on the edge of the village. This small nature reserve borders a residential area and the Hollandse Kade. Its landscape includes wet hay meadows and an orchard with standard trees; you can hike through the varied terrain. A historic laborer’s cottage dating from 1862 is the center of Stichting De Kievit. Its regular program includes excursions, workshops and activities focused on birds, bees, plants, and life in and around the water.
Castle, Church and Water Management
Kasteel Huize Harmelen dates from around 1270. It was restored to its former form in 1535 and recognized as a Ridderhofstad in 1536. The present-day house was built later: in 1937, it was constructed in a historic style on the northern part of the foundation of the earlier house. The dates therefore represent different stages in its architectural history—from its origins and recognition to the building as it stands today.
The Nederlands Hervormde Kerk also has distinct building phases. Traces of its construction date back to the 14th century, while its present form dates from the 15th century. The nave is 12 meters wide. Visitors interested in historic buildings will find both a building that has evolved over time and a specific architectural measurement here.
Gemaal De Adriaan was built in 1873 and historically played an important role in keeping the Bijleveld, Reijerscop, Mastwijk and Achthoven polders dry. The pumping station is preserved and privately owned; it is not possible to visit the interior. The Haanwijkersluis is also significant to the local history of water management: after the shipping route was improved in the mid-17th century, the Haanwijkerdam was replaced by the lock following a long period of pressure. The former lock keeper’s house still stands at Jaagpad 16.
Hiking and Cycling
The routes offer different ways to explore the surrounding area on foot or by bike. The Romeinse Limes: Bodegraven–Harmelen takes hikers and cyclists past remains of the Roman past. The Doortraproute Vleuten passes through Harmelen and uses mostly bike paths, roads with bike lanes and low-traffic roads.
The Potterskaderoute, by contrast, is a hiking route between Harmelen and Woerden. It runs mostly along semi-paved towpaths and grassy embankments. Unpaved paths, tree roots and sections on an embankment with no room to pass make it unsuitable for people with limited mobility. Conditions may vary after rain; check the trail conditions before setting out. Two questions can help you choose a route: would you like to hike or cycle, and does the route’s surface and profile suit your needs?
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