Top 20 Lakes around Noordwijkerhout
Best lakes around Noordwijkerhout, a town within the municipality of Noordwijk, is situated near the North Sea and the Dune and Bulb Region. This area features coastal beaches, extensive dune landscapes, and several notable lakes. The region's geography provides diverse natural settings for outdoor activities.
Best lakes around Noordwijkerhout
- The most popular lakes is ’t Wed Lake and the Petrified Oaks, a lake that offers a swimming spot with a beach and playground facilities. A notable feature is the presence of petrified oaks on a sand hill, which remain upright due to deep roots despite a lack of soil moisture.
- Another must-see spot is View of the water, a viewpoint offering expansive views of the surrounding water. Visitors can observe sailing and motor boats on the lake, especially during summer.
- Visitors also love Beach at Oosterduinse Meer, a beach popular for swimming and windsurfing. It features a sandy beach, a designated swimming area, and is surrounded by bulb fields, providing scenic views.
- Noordwijkerhout is known for its dune lakes, recreational swimming spots, and lakes formed by sand extraction. These offer diverse environments for activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and watersports.
- The lakes around Noordwijkerhout are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 700 upvotes and more than 130 photos shared.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
’t Wed Lake and the Petrified Oaks
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The dead trees at the top of the sand hill are petrified oaks. They are dried out because there is no vegetation on the sand. This means that the soil cannot retain water for the trees. Because the roots of the trees are so deep, they remain upright and petrify over time.
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View of the water
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Beach at Oosterduinse Meer
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Molenplas
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The Spaarne is a river that originally flowed between the Haarlemmermeer and the IJ. The Spaarne therefore ran and runs through Haarlem. Before there were railways and modern road traffic, the Spaarne was an important connection for Haarlem with the rest of the world. Since Haarlem grew big through trade and industry, such a waterway connection was essential.
In 1852, the Haarlemmermeer was drained. The Spaarne then became a branch of the Ringvaart van de Haarlemmermeer. In 1876, the construction of the North Sea Canal was completed and large parts of the IJ were reclaimed. The Spaarne is now connected to the North Sea Canal by the Zijkanaal C.
On the south and east side of Schalkwijk runs the Ringvaart of the Haarlemmermeer. The Ringvaart was dug to drain the Haarlemmermeer. The digging took place between 1839 and 1845 and was done by thousands of workers. The canal was dug as much as possible through the old land, along the shoreline of the Haarlemmermeer. But for example in Vijfhuizen, which is opposite Schalkwijk, an existing headland was dug through.
On the south side of Schalkwijk lie the Molenplas and the Meerwijkplas. These lakes were created by sand extraction. Before large-scale housing construction started in Schalkwijk, the former peat polders were raised with a thick layer of sand. Some of the sand also comes from the dunes.
From the west side of the Molenplas you have a beautiful view of the Verenigde Polders. These polders are largely used for agriculture. The municipality of Haarlem sees opportunities here for the development of an ecologically developed zone. Species such as Water Rail, Bittern and Grass Snake are being considered.
Restaurant De Molenplas is located on the water and is a nice stop for a bite to eat or a drink.
(Sources: Ecologisch Beleidsplan, deel 2, gemeente Haarlem; onh.nl/verhaal/het-spaarne; nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaarne; nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringvaart_van_de_Haarlemmermeerpolder; nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemaal_De_Cruquius; gemeentebestuur.haarlem.nl/bestuurlijke-stukken/2015317036-19-BIJLAGEN-TOELICHTING-Bijlage-14-Cultuurhistorische-analyse-1.pdf)
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Klinkenbergerplas
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Especially from the 1960s and 1970s, enormous quantities of sand were extracted for the construction of the Merenwijk in Leiden, the Haaswijk and Morsebel districts in Oegstgeest and the Schiphol line.
From the 1980s onwards, recreation was only possible in the large (southern) lake. The small (northern) lake served as a location for the dumping of soil and sludge until spring 2017.
In 2017 and 2018, the municipality of Oegstgeest beautified and improved the entire area into an attractive recreational and nature reserve.
Ultimately, a lake of 60 hectares was created, of which 36 hectares consists of water with a depth of up to about 30 meters.
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Popular around Noordwijkerhout
The Hollands Duin on foot – walking between forests, dunes and sea
Noordwijk at its most beautiful – cycling along the coast and flower fields
Celebrate spring – colourful walks through Dutch tulip fields
Coast & Culture in Holland — the perfect holiday combination
Fietsen door de natuur van Noordwijk & de Duin- en Bollenstreek
Hiking around Noordwijkerhout
Cycling around Noordwijkerhout
Running Trails around Noordwijkerhout
MTB Trails around Noordwijkerhout
Road Cycling Routes around Noordwijkerhout
Other adventures around Noordwijkerhout
Tips from the Community
At this spot, dotted with several benches, boats come and go constantly. Always a pleasant sight.
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Lovely terrace at the (swimming) water
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Water, water wherever you look. A paradise for water birds.
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In the past, the Lage Kadijk was closed off because of the meadow birds. This closure was not always to the satisfaction of local residents. For example, in 2016 an attempt was made to prevent the closure via a petition. The black-tailed godwit is a meadow bird and is our national bird. In addition to the black-tailed godwit, the Bird Protection Association calls the following birds farmland birds: barn swallow, yellowhammer, yellow wagtail, meadow pipit, barn owl, lapwing, quail, corncrake, partridge, oystercatcher, shoveler, little owl, redshank, skylark, white wagtail and curlew. However, the meadow birds in the Verenigde Polders are doing badly. This was already noted in 2012 by a bird working group. The working group then cited the following reasons: the low water levels due to agricultural business operations, intensive agricultural use (fertilization and early mowing) and an increase in predators. Predators here were fox, black crow, magpie, rats, seagulls and cats. In the Netherlands as a whole, meadow birds are doing badly. In 2024, the European Commission started a so-called infringement procedure, because the Netherlands is not doing enough to protect meadow birds and their habitats. The Netherlands is obliged to do so under the Birds Directive. (Sources: https://petities.nl/petitions/de-lage-kadijk-open-ook-in-broedseizoen?locale=en; https://natuurtijdschriften.nl/pub/519112/FIT2012048004008.pdf ; https://www.naturetoday.com/intl/nl/nature-reports/message/?msg=32658; vogelbescherming.nl)
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What is special about Schalkwijk is that it is surrounded by water on three sides. The Spaarne meanders in the west, the Molenplas and the Meerwijkplas are in the south and the Ringvaart van de Haarlemmermeer is in the south and east. The Spaarne is a river that originally flowed between the Haarlemmermeer and the IJ. The Spaarne therefore ran and runs through Haarlem. Before there were railways and modern road traffic, the Spaarne was an important connection for Haarlem with the rest of the world. Since Haarlem grew big through trade and industry, such a waterway connection was essential. In 1852, the Haarlemmermeer was drained. The Spaarne then became a branch of the Ringvaart van de Haarlemmermeer. In 1876, the construction of the North Sea Canal was completed and large parts of the IJ were reclaimed. The Spaarne is now connected to the North Sea Canal by the Zijkanaal C. On the south and east side of Schalkwijk runs the Ringvaart of the Haarlemmermeer. The Ringvaart was dug to drain the Haarlemmermeer. The digging took place between 1839 and 1845 and was done by thousands of workers. The canal was dug as much as possible through the old land, along the shoreline of the Haarlemmermeer. But for example in Vijfhuizen, which is opposite Schalkwijk, an existing headland was dug through. On the south side of Schalkwijk lie the Molenplas and the Meerwijkplas. These lakes were created by sand extraction. Before large-scale housing construction started in Schalkwijk, the former peat polders were raised with a thick layer of sand. Some of the sand also comes from the dunes. From the west side of the Molenplas you have a beautiful view of the Verenigde Polders. These polders are largely used for agriculture. The municipality of Haarlem sees opportunities here for the development of an ecologically developed zone. Species such as Water Rail, Bittern and Grass Snake are being considered. Restaurant De Molenplas is located on the water and is a nice stop for a bite to eat or a drink. (Sources: Ecologisch Beleidsplan, deel 2, gemeente Haarlem; onh.nl/verhaal/het-spaarne; nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaarne; nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ringvaart_van_de_Haarlemmermeerpolder; nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gemaal_De_Cruquius; gemeentebestuur.haarlem.nl/bestuurlijke-stukken/2015317036-19-BIJLAGEN-TOELICHTING-Bijlage-14-Cultuurhistorische-analyse-1.pdf)
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A beautiful area for a nice long walk.
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Also popular in winter for a bathing lake and a great environment for children to play.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly lakes around Noordwijkerhout?
Yes, several lakes are ideal for families. ’t Wed Lake and the Petrified Oaks is a popular choice, featuring a swimming spot with a beach that doubles as a playground and a toilet building. The Beach at Oosterduinse Meer also offers a sandy beach and designated swimming area, perfect for a family day out.
Can I swim in the lakes near Noordwijkerhout?
Absolutely. The Beach at Oosterduinse Meer is a popular spot for swimming, with a designated area and generally good water quality. ’t Wed Lake is also known as a lovely swimming spot, particularly suitable for families.
What unique natural features can I find at the lakes?
At ’t Wed Lake, you can observe petrified oaks on top of a sand hill. These trees remain upright due to their deep roots despite the lack of soil moisture. The Oosterduinse Meer is surrounded by picturesque bulb fields, offering stunning views, especially during spring bloom.
What water sports can I do at the lakes?
The Beach at Oosterduinse Meer is a popular destination for windsurfing, especially on its northern side. You can also observe sailing and motor boats on the lake from viewpoints like View of the water.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, you can find amenities near some lakes. The Beach at Oosterduinse Meer has a beach café, Como & Co, where you can enjoy a drink or snack with a great view. There is also a restaurant located on the water at Molenplas.
When is the best time to visit the lakes around Noordwijkerhout?
Spring is particularly scenic due to the surrounding bulb fields blooming around lakes like Oosterduinse Meer. Summer is ideal for swimming and watersports. However, the lakes are appreciated year-round, with some spots like ’t Wed Lake also being popular for winter walks.
What cycling routes are available near the lakes?
The region offers various cycling opportunities. For mountain biking, you can explore routes like the 'Beach at Oosterduinse Meer – MTB segment De Zilk loop'. Road cyclists might enjoy the 'Kaag Marina – Windmill - Spotting loop'. For gravel biking, consider the 'Zuiderduinpad Cycle Path – Hollands Duin Cycle Path loop'. You can find more details on these routes in the Road Cycling Routes around Noordwijkerhout or MTB Trails around Noordwijkerhout guides.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Noordwijkerhout?
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful views, especially from spots like View of the water, where they can watch sailing and motor boats. The sandy beaches, opportunities for swimming and windsurfing, and the unique natural features like the petrified oaks at ’t Wed Lake are also highly appreciated.
Are there lakes formed by sand extraction in the area?
Yes, some lakes in the region, such as Molenplas and Klinkenbergerplas, were created through sand extraction. These areas have since been developed into recreational and nature reserves, offering diverse environments for outdoor activities.
Are there viewpoints to enjoy the scenery around the lakes?
Yes, there are several excellent viewpoints. View of the water offers expansive views of the surrounding water and boat activity. From the western side of Molenplas, you can also enjoy a beautiful view of the Verenigde Polders, which are largely used for agriculture and are being developed as an ecological zone.
Are dogs allowed at the lakes?
While specific regulations for each lake may vary, many outdoor areas in the Netherlands are dog-friendly, often requiring dogs to be on a leash. It's advisable to check local signage or municipality websites for the most current rules regarding dogs at specific lake beaches or swimming areas.
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