Bieslandse Bos - Delfgauw

Cycling between Delft and Pijnacker, you might pass a special piece of nature without even noticing: the Bieslandse Bos. Not a manicured city park, but a vibrant natural area with open meadows, marshy patches and young deciduous forests. Birds of prey like the goshawk, buzzard and sparrowhawk hunt here in the polder, while foxes, stoats and various small mammals have also made this area their home.

The forest was created in the late 1990s on former farmland. It has since grown into an appealing transition zone between city and countryside. In the wetter parts, you’ll see reed, elder and ferns. Among the poplars, beeches and willows, wild garlic blooms under the trees in spring.

If you’re in the mood for a short break, you’ll find a bench or viewpoint at the edge of the forest. Hopping off your bike is definitely worth it. Of course, you can keep pedalling too – but at least now you know what you’re riding through.