Best lakes around Aalsmeer are characterized by an extensive lake area, offering diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. The region is known for its horticultural heritage and prominent bodies of water like the Westeinderplassen and Oosteinderpoel. These areas provide a variety of landscapes, from vast open waters to intricate natural reserves. Visitors can explore a network of interconnected lakes and canals, many of which are valuable nature reserves.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
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De Poel is a lake located between Amstelveen and the Amsterdamse Bos. This lake was created in the 19th century by peat excavations and has never been reclaimed. Today, De Poel is used by water sports enthusiasts, but it is also well-known among restaurant lovers thanks to the adjacent two-Michelin-star restaurant "Aan de Poel."
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At this spot, dotted with several benches, boats come and go constantly. Always a pleasant sight.
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Great long bike path along the canal, it can be windy at times
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An early start on Sunday is recommended. You hear and see nature awakening!
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Nice place to take a photo, especially with a blue cloud cover.
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There's a restaurant bar right across the pond.
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Beautifully maintained park with countless paths
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And if you're lucky, there's a Feadship superyacht outside.
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The most prominent and celebrated bodies of water in the Aalsmeer region are the Westeinderplassen and the Oosteinderpoel. The Westeinderplassen is a vast water sports area, while the Oosteinderpoel is known for its unique 'jungle-like' nature reserve.
The Westeinderplassen is an ideal destination for a wide array of water sports, including swimming, sailing, windsurfing, water-skiing, paddleboarding, and rowing. Specific spots like Surf Island offer sheltered, child-friendly environments for swimming and windsurfing. You can also rent silent electric boats for a tranquil experience.
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Vondelpark, though in Amsterdam, offers walking, cycling, and relaxing by small lakes. The View of the water viewpoint is also family-friendly, offering views of boats. Additionally, Surf Island on the Westeinderplassen provides a child-friendly environment for swimming and windsurfing.
The Westeinderplassen and Oosteinderpoel are valuable nature reserves. The Westeinderplassen boasts diverse flora and fauna, with various birds like grebes, cormorants, and herons, and fish species such as the European catfish. The Oosteinderpoel features a unique mosaic of islands and creeks with diverse plant life, including various types of heather, and is a habitat for birds like hawks and blue herons.
Yes, the region offers numerous cycling opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Drawbridge Over the Canal – Aalsmeerderbrug Cycle Path loop' or the 'Water Gardens With Boat Access – Aalsmeerderbrug Cycle Path loop'. A popular highlight is the Bike path along the Westeinder Plassen, which offers beautiful views of the lake. For more options, explore the Cycling around Aalsmeer guide.
From April to October, visitors can observe various birds, fish, and rare plants, making it a great time for nature enthusiasts. Summer is particularly vibrant, with numerous sailing and motor boats visible on the water, and many people enjoying the lakes for recreation.
Many lakeside restaurants are accessible by boat, particularly around the Westeinderplassen. The View of The Pool is well-known among restaurant lovers thanks to its adjacent two-Michelin-star restaurant 'Aan de Poel'. The Vondelpark Pond and Fountain also has cafes available.
Yes, there are several routes for mountain biking and gravel biking. For mountain biking, you can find trails like the 'Water tower – Fort Kudelstaart loop'. For gravel biking, options include the 'Spottersheuvel – Fort bij Vijfhuizen loop'. You can find more details in the MTB Trails around Aalsmeer guide and the Gravel biking around Aalsmeer guide.
While specific public transport routes to every lake entrance vary, Aalsmeer itself is accessible by public transport. From there, local connections or cycling can bring you to the lake areas. For detailed information on public transport to specific locations, it's best to check local transport schedules.
The Oosteinderpoel is characterized by its unique 'jungle-like' appearance, featuring a distinctive mosaic of islands and creeks that are remnants of peat excavations. It's a haven for diverse plant life and birds, offering a captivating natural experience best explored by boat due to its intricate waterways.
Yes, there are numerous marinas (around sixty) and boat rental locations available, particularly around the Westeinderplassen. You can easily rent various types of boats, including silent electric boats, to explore the extensive network of lakes and canals.
Yes, the Westeinderplassen offers several swimming opportunities. Surf Island provides a sheltered, child-friendly environment with sandy beaches for swimming. Additionally, a swimming jetty in Kudelstaart offers a refreshing alternative to pools. For more information on swimming in Aalsmeer, you can visit visitaalsmeer.nl.


Still not found your perfect lake around Aalsmeer? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.