Starting point Westbroekplas

Routes from this starting point

Rondje Heksloot (geel) Unpaved path (partly): 5.85km
Groene route vanaf startpunt Westbroekplas Unpaved path (partly): 6.24km
Paarse route vanaf startpunt Westbroekplas: 7.02km

Themed routes from this starting point

Sportief & Ruig Kennemerland Unpaved path (partly) No dogs allowed: 24.74km
Fortenroute Unpaved path (partly): 6km

kaart startpunt Westbroekplas (1913 kb)

Three marked walking routes depart from this point and pass through Spaarnwoude Park: a diverse region of forests, polders, peat meadows, marshes and water. There are also two forts that were part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam, a former line of defence around the capital (1880-1914).

The Fortress Route (green) passes by Fort benoorden Spaarndam and Fort bezuiden Spaarndam. The first is an imposing fort for which a new use is being developed. The smaller Fort bezuiden Spaarndam, near Mooie Nel recreational lake, has a tiny museum about the Defence Line of Amsterdam and a cosy café with a terrace. Another highlight is the village of Spaarndam, which originated as a small settlement where the river IJ flowed into the Spaarne. Count Floris Vliet built a dam with sluices there so that the IJ could no longer flood. The village owes its name to this 'Sparendam'.

The Velserbroek Tour (purple) crosses Zijkanaal B and the A9 and runs almost entirely around the Westbroekplas. Via the green residential area of Velserbroek, you return to Boerenerf Spaarnwoude farm, traditionally known as Zorgvrij.

The Hekslootpolder Tour (yellow) also passes the Spaarne. You walk along the old Slaperdijk - which used to hold back the water - and along the Heksloot. The polder served as a firing range for the Defence Line of Amsterdam and was not allowed to be built on. Now lapwings, godwits, geese and coots call it home.

Photo: Westphil Photography