15. The Ringvaart - Lijnden

The Ringvaart is a canal of more than 60 kilometres around the Haarlemmermeer polder. It was dug between 1839 and 1845 by thousands of workers. The canal was largely planned along the shores of the Haarlemmermeer. At three locations, namely at Vijfhuizen, Lisserbroek and Huigsloot, it was dug straight through strips of land. Along the Ringvaart the Ringdijk was constructed.

In 1845 the Ringvaart was completed and pumping station Leeghwater near De Kaag was put into operation for the first time. A few years later, in 1849, the Cruquius and the Lynden were also deployed for the drainage. In 1852 the Haarlemmermeer was actually drained.

The Staande Mastroute follows the section of the Ringvaart between Oude Wetering and Amsterdam. This is a navigation route especially for ships with tall masts. The name "Staande Mast Route" comes from the fact that it is a continuous inland waterway route through the Netherlands that is specially designed for sailing boats and motor boats with a mast or superstructure higher than the standard bridges, often more than 6 metres, whereby the mast remains upright during the journey instead of having to be lowered, which is much more convenient.