Top 20 Lakes around Noordwijk
Best lakes around Noordwijk offer diverse recreational opportunities beyond the North Sea coastline. The region features a variety of freshwater and dune lakes, many originating from sand extraction. These aquatic areas provide settings for activities such as swimming, nature observation, and watersports. The landscape around Noordwijk includes extensive dune areas and polder regions, contributing to the varied natural environments surrounding these lakes.
Best lakes around Noordwijk
- The most popular lakes is ’t Wed Lake and the Petrified Oaks, a lake that serves as a swimming spot with a beach and toilet facilities. The area also features petrified oaks on a sand hill, which remain upright due to deep roots.
- Another must-see spot is Beach at Oosterduinse Meer, a beach located along the Oosterduinse Meer. This location offers areas for relaxation and swimming, with nearby cafes providing refreshments and views over the lake.
- Visitors also love Molenplas, a lake created by sand extraction. It offers views of the surrounding polders and is known for its birdlife, with a restaurant situated on the water.
- Noordwijk is known for freshwater lakes, dune lakes, and polder lakes. These include areas formed by sand extraction and natural dune valleys, offering varied aquatic environments.
- The lakes around Noordwijk are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 700 upvotes and over 130 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 11, 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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Meijendel Dune Lakes
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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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Tips from the Community
At this spot, dotted with several benches, boats come and go constantly. Always a pleasant sight.
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The Berkheide and Meijendel dune areas are home to an enormous diversity of plant and animal species due to the varied vegetation, moisture content, and lime content. This includes rare plants and herbs, as many as 250 bird species, a huge variety of insects, and even the sand lizard and the natterjack toad.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes around Noordwijk are best for swimming?
For a refreshing swim, the Beach at Oosterduinse Meer is an excellent choice, offering a sandy beach and nearby cafes. Another popular spot is ’t Wed Lake, located within the Meijendel dune area, which provides a lovely swimming experience with facilities.
Are there family-friendly lakes near Noordwijk?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. The Oosterduinse Meer is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a beach and eateries like Como&Co. ’t Wed Lake also features a nice playground and toilet facilities, making it suitable for children. Additionally, Molenplas offers a pleasant environment for families to enjoy nature and birdlife.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes around Noordwijk offer diverse natural features. You'll find freshwater lakes like the Oosterduinse Meer, originating from sand extraction, and dune lakes such as those within the Meijendel Dune Lakes area. This region is characterized by extensive dunes, forests, and varied flora and fauna, including petrified oaks at ’t Wed. The Kagerplassen area, while further afield, presents a classic Dutch polder landscape with windmills and a labyrinth of waterways.
What outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond swimming, the lakes offer various outdoor activities. You can enjoy canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and windsurfing at Oosterduinse Meer. The Meijendel area is perfect for hiking and cycling through dunes and forests. For watersports enthusiasts, the Kagerplassen are ideal for boating, sailing, and even ice skating in winter. You can also explore nearby routes for gravel biking, mountain biking, and touring cycling. For more details on routes, check out the Gravel biking around Noordwijk, MTB Trails around Noordwijk, and Cycling around Noordwijk guides.
Are there hiking trails near the lakes around Noordwijk?
Yes, the region offers numerous hiking opportunities. The Meijendel Dune Lakes area, part of the 'Hollandse Duinen' National Park, has extensive trails winding through dunes, forests, and past water features. You can also find trails around the Oosterduinse Meer and Molenplas. For specific hiking routes, consider exploring the Cycling around Noordwijk guide, which includes paths suitable for walking.
Which lakes are good for birdwatching?
The Molenplas is known for its birdlife, offering views of the surrounding polders. The wider Meijendel Dune Lakes area is also a sanctuary for wildlife, including over 250 species of birds, making it one of the most bird-rich nature reserves in the Netherlands.
Can I find cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Absolutely. Near the Oosterduinse Meer, you'll find inviting eateries like Como&Co and Mama, offering refreshments and views over the lake. The Molenplas also has a restaurant situated directly on the water, providing a nice stop for a bite or a drink.
What is special about the Kagerplassen?
The Kagerplassen, a collection of lakes northeast of Leiden, offers a quintessential Dutch experience. It's the oldest watersports area in the Netherlands, characterized by a labyrinth of lakes, islands, and waterways with picturesque windmills. It's ideal for boating, sailing, and exploring charming villages like Warmond and Kaag Island.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Noordwijk?
Visitors particularly appreciate the diverse recreational opportunities and natural beauty. Many enjoy the refreshing swimming spots like ’t Wed Lake and the Beach at Oosterduinse Meer. The extensive dune areas like Meijendel are highly valued for hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation, offering a peaceful escape from urban life.
Are there any unique natural formations to see?
Yes, at ’t Wed Lake, you can observe the fascinating petrified oaks on a sand hill. These trees remain upright due to their deep roots, having dried out and petrified over time because the sand cannot retain water for them.
How were many of these lakes formed?
Many of the freshwater lakes in the region, including the Oosterduinse Meer and Molenplas, originated from sand extraction activities, particularly during the 1950s and 60s. This process created deep basins that later filled with water, forming the lakes we see today.
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