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From Engineering Wonders to Wild Green Escapes: The Unsung Treasures of Haarlemmermeer Region Await


Table of Contents > North Holland > Haarlemmermeer

If you've been at Schiphol airport, then you have been in Haarlemmermeer! Schiphol airport is just a small part of Haarlemmermeer, which is 3,35 meters below the average level of the sea! You are actually walking over the bottom of a lake!

Haarlemmermeer is what we call a polder, or reclaimed land from the sea. Haarlemmermeer means ‘Haarlem’s lake,’ and refers to the body of water from which the region was reclaimed in the nineteenth century. All of the pumping was done by steam mills, a departure from the traditional practice of draining polders with windmills. The main roads are bordered by lovely farmhouses built in the styles of Holland, Friesland, and Brabant, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the farmers that came to live here in the 19th century.

Treasures to explore in this area include:

  • Cruquius Pumping Station (Cruquius) —Step back in time and marvel at a well-preserved and still-operational steam mill, one of the engineering marvels of the nineteenth century. This is one of two remaining fully functional pumping stations that helped to pump out the water in the 19th century. 
    Address: Cruquiusdijk 27, 2142 ER Cruquius
    Website: https://www.haarlemmermeermuseum.nl/bezoek-het-gemaal

  • Haarlemmermeerse Bos (Haarlemmermeer) [FREE]
    The Haarlemmermeerse Bos in Hoofddorp is a sanctuary of relaxation and recreation for all ages. For the young ones, it’s an exhilarating playland with diverse playgrounds and a thrilling play course. Wander to the left of Papa’s Beach House, and you’ll find a quaint playground by the water, complete with a child-operated water pump. Adventure lurks nearby in the play forest, home to a wooden play castle, a rope course, and climbing trees — a perfect spot for mini-explorers to burn off energy!

    Let’s not forget the stunning natural beauty the park offers. Two distinct walking paths invite you to immerse yourself in the diversity of flora and fauna. The ‘Tree Path’ is a 3-kilometer journey showcasing 67 varieties of trees and shrubs. Meanwhile, the ‘Insect Path’, spanning 1.5 kilometers, offers intriguing signs providing information about the common bugs in the forest. It’s especially delightful on warm summer days when you’ll likely spot a myriad of insects. Be sure to keep a map of Haarlemmermeerse Bos handy, so you’ve always got the lay of the land. Happy exploring! 
    Address: Bosweg, 2131 LX Hoofddorp
    Website: https://visithaarlemmermeer.nl/zien-doen/actief-natuur/haarlemmermeerse-bos

  • Fort Vijfhuizen (Vijfhuizen)
    The Fort bij Vijfhuizen was one of the first concrete structures built in the Netherlands. It was built as part of the Amsterdam De­fence Line, a large-scale 19th-century con­struc­tion project, to protect Amsterdam from a hypothetical enemy in­vasion. The op­po­nent could be slowed down and the Amsterdam cit­i­zens could sur­vive by manip­u­la­tion of the water level, strategic use of ex­isting plants, and spe­cific in­ter­ven­tions in the land­scape. Get an insight into history through tunnels, bunkers, and exhibitions at this ancient fort.
    Address: Fortwachter 1, 2141 EE Vijfhuizen
    Website: https://www.kunstfort.nl/en/

  • Historical Museum Haarlemmermeer (Hoofddorp)
    The 170-year-old polder’s story is magically unfolded at the Historical Museum. Explore a fascinating collection of historical objects, tools, photographs, and films that bring to life the fearless pioneers who transformed this once wet patch of land into a prosperous farming region. The Historical Museum is a fascinating excursion that caters to both young and old!
    Address: Bosweg 17, 2131 LX Hoofddorp 
    Website: https://www.haarlemmermeermuseum.nl/historisch-museum

Remember, do visit the websites for the most current information about visit hours and entrance fees. Now is the time to pack your lunch and embark on an unforgettable journey! Experience the beauty of this region—and make memories to last a lifetime.

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