Best lakes around Maassluis are often defined by the region's unique aquatic landscape, which includes the expansive Nieuwe Waterweg, historic canals, and recreational water bodies like the Boonerlucht. Maassluis, while not featuring many traditional natural lakes, offers diverse water-based activities and scenic experiences. The area provides opportunities for exploring nature through walking and cycling along these waterways. Its connection to major shipping routes and historical canals defines its character.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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Magical place. Beautiful nature.
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You are allowed to take your dog with you, as long as it is leashed. There are two hills with semi-natural stairs that are pretty steep.
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The Broekpolder was once a peat meadow polder with a number of dairy farmers. The word 'broek' (brouck) refers to the original peat bog at this location. Vlaardingen was a growing city in the 1950s and there were plans to make housing possible in the Broekpolder. To achieve this, the area first had to be raised. This was done between 1958 and 1976 with dredged material. Later, this soil layer turned out to be too polluted to be able to realize a residential area here. Housing construction was therefore off the table. The area was then given a green design. It was partly planted with production forest and for another part nature did its own work. The polder was thus given a new life as a nature and recreation area.
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The Broekpolder is a beautiful 400 ha. large and green nature and recreation area. You can walk, cycle, mountain bike, skate, play and do sports here. Close to the city of Vlaardingen and surrounded by the water of the Vlaardingse Vaart and the Vlieten, it is a very valuable green spot for residents in the region. The Broekpolder offers a diverse landscape of polder, forest and large lakes where many water birds live and winter. The Broekpolder is also the habitat of a large herd of Scottish Highlanders. In addition, there are more than 30 sports clubs for young and old. The four Vlaardingen scouting groups have also been given a new joint home in the Broekpolder. Source: https://www.broekpolder-vlaardingen.nl/over-ons
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One of the few "forests" near Rotterdam. This route is designed so that as much as possible can be walked on footpaths. There is only one steep climb.
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Nice piece of forest for both walking and cycling
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unique cycling between the water, wide views.
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Maassluis offers a variety of water activities. You can enjoy paddleboarding on the Boonerlucht Lake and the historic canals, take boat trips on the Nieuwe Waterweg to see large ships, or go sailing on the canals. The Bernisse Recreation Area is also great for swimming, rowing, canoeing, surfing, and fishing.
Yes, cycling is very popular. The Foppenplas is known for its cycling routes, offering a 360-degree view from its bridge. The Bernisse Recreation Area also has cycle paths connecting historic villages. For more options, you can explore various cycling routes around Maassluis, including those for road cycling and general cycling.
You'll find several excellent spots for walking. The Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area offers a beautiful, dense, and varied forest for hiking. The Abtwoudse Forest provides varied landscapes, including ditches and narrow roads, suitable for walks. The Boonerlucht Lake area is also popular for walking and cycling. For more detailed routes, check out gravel biking guides which often include walking paths.
Absolutely. The Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area, Foppenplas, Staelduinse Forest, and Bernisse Recreation Area are all noted as family-friendly. The Bernisse Recreation Area, in particular, has beaches and 'floundering ponds' specifically for young children, along with play and sunbathing areas.
Beyond the waterways themselves, you can explore diverse natural settings. The Broekpolder Nature and Recreation Area features dense forests, grasslands, and wetlands. The Staelduinse Forest is the only remaining natural forest in the Westland, with dune grasslands and hay fields. You might also spot various bats and stinze plants there.
Yes, Maassluis has a rich maritime history. Its centuries-old canals, like the Noordvliet and Zuidvliet, are part of the Delfland Trekvaarten (barge routes). During the sailing season, you can experience a trip on the historic 'trekschuit' (traditional horse-drawn barge) "De Goude Leeuwin." The Staelduinse Forest also contains historical bunkers.
The Boonerlucht Lake is a recognized recreational spot within Maassluis. It's popular for outdoor activities like paddleboarding, and its surrounding area is great for walking and cycling, offering a chance to enjoy nature.
The Nieuwe Waterweg is a major shipping canal connecting Rotterdam to the North Sea. It offers unique maritime experiences, including boat trips on historic tugboats and salvage vessels. You can observe large ocean-going vessels passing by, and the area around Hoek van Holland is known for sea bass fishing. It's a dynamic waterway, not a serene lake.
The historic canals, such as the Noordvliet and Zuidvliet, flow through Maassluis's city center and are part of the Delfland Trekvaarten. They are excellent for sailing, allowing you to explore the green hinterlands of Midden-Delfland. Paddleboarding is also a fun activity on these waterways, and you can take a trip on a traditional 'trekschuit'.
Yes, the Foppenplas is noted as having wheelchair-accessible features, particularly around its cycling routes and bridge.
The area is enjoyable year-round, but for water-based activities like paddleboarding, sailing, and swimming, good weather is preferable, typically from spring through early autumn. Walking and cycling can be done in most seasons, though some paths in areas like the Abtwoudse Forest might be soggy after rain, so waterproof shoes are recommended.
While specific cafes or pubs are not detailed for every location, the Bernisse Recreation Area has small catering tents at most of its beaches. Exploring the historic city center of Maassluis, which is crisscrossed by canals, will also offer options for dining.


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