Top 8 Natural Monuments around Waddinxveen
Best natural monuments around Waddinxveen are situated within the Green Heart region of South Holland, characterized by its lush fields, canals, and flat terrain. The area offers natural landscapes for outdoor activities such as cycling and walking. The Gouwe River flows through Waddinxveen, providing views and paths along its banks. These natural features offer opportunities to experience authentic Dutch landscapes.
Best natural monuments around Waddinxveen
- The most popular natural monuments is Benthuizer Lake, a lake that is a nature…
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Benthuizer Lake
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National Children's Tree Forest
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Origin of the Rotte
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Baby Forest
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Houtmansplantsoen Entrance
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I was there early yesterday evening. The weather was beautiful and NO ONE was there. It's a shame because this is such a lovely place.
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Children's Tree Forest The National Children's Tree Forest is located in the Bentwoud. In this forest, family members plant trees in memory of their newborn or deceased children. The forest consists of 5 tree rooms with Italian poplars and hornbeams and a central tree circle with 12 white poplars. The Children's Tree Forest is an initiative of the National Tree Planting Day Foundation and Staatsbosbeheer made 20 hectares available for its construction. For more information: Kinderbomenbos.nl Source and more information: www.staatsbosbeheer.nk
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Children's Tree Forest The National Children's Tree Forest is located in the Bentwoud. In this forest, family members plant trees in memory of their newborn or deceased children. The forest consists of 5 tree rooms with Italian poplars and hornbeams and a central tree circle with 12 white poplars. The Children's Tree Forest is an initiative of the National Tree Planting Day Foundation and Staatsbosbeheer made 20 hectares available for the construction. For more information: Kinderbomenbos.nl Source: www.staatsbosbeheer.nl
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The Benthuizerplas, like the other two lakes, has an important function as a water storage facility, but is also a nature development lake between Benthuizen and Zoetermeer. The lake is a special area when it comes to nature. The water is completely closed off from the other lakes and has its own natural water level management system. This means that rain and evaporation largely determine the height of the water level.
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To conclude, a last tree was symbolically planted. All parents and children who have a tree in the Babybos were invited to this event. The municipality has placed a water lime tree in honor of all the children in Capelle. Councilor Marc Wilson unveiled the artwork and sign together with the children present. They also shoveled the earth together near the tree. Source: capellevandaag.nl
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On Wednesday, November 15, 2023, the very last tree of the Babybos was planted in the Schollebos. This puts an end to a special residents' initiative that started eleven years ago. The initiative for the Babybos came from one of the residents: Capelse Ada Lit got the idea when a tree was knocked down in front of her house after the birth of her son. In collaboration with the municipality, a piece of land near the Schollebos was put to use for the construction of the Babybos. Over the years, Capel parents have been able to have their own tree planted for their born child. Each tree came with a nameplate with date of birth. A decade and 43 trees later, the plot of land was full, the municipality announced at the end of last year. Another location for a 'restart' turned out not to be possible. Source: capellevandaag.nl
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Nice little lake, not for boats and not for swimming, skating is possible at minus 10
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The Children's Tree Forest is an initiative of the National Tree Festival Day Foundation. Since 2015, family members have been planting trees during the annual tree planting day in November to celebrate the birth of children or in memory of children born and deceased. [
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of natural monuments can I find around Waddinxveen?
The Waddinxveen area, situated within the Green Heart region, offers a variety of natural landscapes. You can explore lakes like Benthuizer Lake, historical river origins such as the Origin of the Rotte, and forests like the National Children's Tree Forest. The region is characterized by lush fields, canals, and the Gouwe River, providing diverse natural features.
Are there family-friendly natural monuments in the Waddinxveen area?
Yes, several natural monuments around Waddinxveen are suitable for families. The National Children's Tree Forest is a particularly meaningful spot where families plant trees. Benthuizer Lake and the Origin of the Rotte are also considered family-friendly, offering pleasant environments for walks and exploration.
What historical natural sites can be visited near Waddinxveen?
The Origin of the Rotte is a significant historical natural site. This is the starting point of the river from which Rotterdam takes its name, originating 4500 years ago from a peat layer in a wadden region. Additionally, the Houtmansplantsoen Entrance, while a park, has historical significance as a national monument with memorials and a history dating back to 1830.
What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Waddinxveen?
The area around Waddinxveen is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking on trails like those found in the nearby Hiking around Waddinxveen guide, or explore the landscape by bike with routes from the Cycling around Waddinxveen guide. The flat terrain of the Green Heart is perfect for cycling, and the Reeuwijkse Plassen are excellent for kayaking or paddleboarding.
Are there specific hiking trails near these natural monuments?
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. For instance, you can find easy to moderate routes like the 'Bridges at 't Weegje – The Weegje Nature Reserve loop' or the 'Polder Domburg Nature Trail' within the Hiking around Waddinxveen guide. The Waddenpad Trail and Molenwandelroute are also noted for their scenic beauty and diverse terrain.
What is special about Benthuizer Lake?
Benthuizer Lake is a nature reserve known for attracting waterfowl and bird lovers. It serves as an overflow area for the Zoetermeerse Plas and features its own natural water level management system, making it a unique ecological spot. While not suitable for swimming or boats, it's a peaceful place for nature observation.
Can I see wildlife at the natural monuments in Waddinxveen?
Yes, the natural areas around Waddinxveen offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. Benthuizer Lake is popular with waterfowl and bird lovers. The National Children's Tree Forest, located in the Bentwoud, is home to various animals such as pheasants, falcons, geese, swans, and foxes.
What is the Baby Forest and where is it located?
The Baby Forest is a special initiative located in the Schollebos, where families plant trees to commemorate children. It was started by a resident and has grown into a place where parents can have a tree planted for their newborn or in memory of a child, each with a nameplate.
What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Waddinxveen?
The Green Heart region, including Waddinxveen, is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, ideal for cycling and walking. Autumn brings colorful foliage, and even winter can be picturesque, especially if the lakes freeze over for skating, as is sometimes possible at Benthuizer Lake during very cold periods.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots to enjoy the nature around Waddinxveen?
The Gouwe River, flowing through Waddinxveen, offers picturesque views and serene walking paths along its banks. The Reeuwijkse Plassen, a network of lakes nearby, are renowned for their scenic beauty. Additionally, the flat terrain of the Green Heart provides numerous picturesque spots perfect for a picnic and enjoying the authentic Dutch landscapes.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Waddinxveen?
Visitors appreciate the tranquility and scenic beauty of the area. Many enjoy the opportunities for recreation, such as cycling through the Green Heart, walking along the Gouwe River, or observing birdlife at Benthuizer Lake. The historical significance of sites like the Origin of the Rotte also adds to the appeal, offering a blend of nature and heritage.
Are there options for mountain biking near Waddinxveen's natural areas?
Yes, mountain biking is an option. You can find various trails, including the 'Bentwoud Cycle Path loop' or the 'Meerpolder – Mountain Bike Route Zoetermeer loop', detailed in the MTB Trails around Waddinxveen guide. These routes allow you to explore the natural surroundings on two wheels.
Most popular attractions around Waddinxveen
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