Zoetermeer, Berkel en Rodenrijs, Pijnacker

Did you know that the area around Zoetermeer is perfect for enjoying greenery, open landscapes and plenty of water? On this route, you are guided past various green and water-rich parks between Zoetermeer and Berkel en Rodenrijs, before relaxing on a cosy terrace.

You can start the route at junction 12, near the car park of De Groenzoom in Berkel en Rodenrijs. This nature park is part of the Groenblauwe Slinger, an ecological corridor connecting Midden-Delfland and the Groene Hart. The province initiated this project to prevent cities in the region from merging into one continuous urban area.

Follow this green-blue corridor towards Het Balijbos and Biesland, which are also part of it. You cycle through the Balijbos via the blue bridge and pass the Floriade Park, where the Floriade took place in 1992. Via the Balijbrug, you cross the A12 on your way to the next park: Westerpark. Here too you will find greenery and water, as well as a sports trail, a gnome pair, a dog beach and a nature garden. Don’t linger too long, as the next park is waiting.

What about Buytenpark? Once a construction waste site, it is now a hilly nature park with large grazing animals that keep the landscape open. In the oldest part of the park you will find SnowWorld, whose ski slope can be seen from afar. Via the cosy Meerpad, with views over the Meerpolder, you continue towards De Plas, the Prielenbos and the Zoetermeerseplas. At farm ‘t Geertje, you can even start a boat tour across De Plas with Stichting Rondvaart Zoetermeer.

On the way back to De Groenzoom, you pass Tuylpark and the Plas van Poot. At Daan in de Weidemolen, you can visit the petting zoo.

After so much greenery, water and open space, it is time to relax on a terrace. Take a seat at the cosy terrace of Thuis bij Tries in Bergschenhoek for a bite and a drink, and enjoy the moment a little longer.