Nieuwkoop, Aarlanderveen, Nieuwveen

Welcome to Nieuwkoop, affectionately known as the Pearl of the Green Heart. This part of the Netherlands combines everything that makes the Dutch landscape so beloved: vast peat meadows, reed beds along glistening lakes, historic village centres and a rich cultural history. This cycle route takes you on a varied tour through the most beautiful spots in the municipality of Nieuwkoop. Get ready for a ride full of nature, heritage and reflection.

You will head towards the vast polder landscape at Aarlanderveen. Here you will see something unique in the world: the Molenviergang van Aarlanderveen. This is the only working windmill complex in the world that drains an entire polder using wind power. Four imposing windmills grind the water upwards in stages until it can be discharged into the Oude Rijn. A living monument to centuries-old Dutch water management. Don't forget to hop off here for a photo or a short walk along the water.

Cycle along country roads to Nieuwveen, where the protected village centre welcomes you with beautiful old facades and a charming village ribbon. Admire the monumental Reformed Church, whose tower rises proudly above the village centre, and pop into the Oudheidkamer (antique museum) on Dorpsstraat.

Finally, you can reflect for a moment at a hidden gem on the route: the Lourdes Grotto in Zevenhoven, or actually in Noordeinde. The grotto is one of the oldest and most authentic Lourdes grottos in the Netherlands. You will find it hidden behind the Johannes Geboorte Church.