Leiden, Benthuizen, Zoeterwoude-Rijndijk

What is a polder or a boezem? And what does a pumping station actually do? These three elements just like the many windmills in the polder are of great importance when it comes to water management. Many mills in Rijnland served (and still do!) to keep the water level under control so that the land does not flood. A large number of mills were eventually replaced by pumping stations. The discharged water from the polders is collected in the so-called boezems.

To this day Rijnland is still managed this way. The Hoogheemraadschap van Rijnland has been doing this since 1255. For 770 years! Discover the important work of this water board and the rich history in this beautiful part of South Holland.

Want to learn more about the Hoogheemraadschap? The Rijnlandse Polderroute is also available in a medium distance (45.6 km) and in a long distance (66.3 km). On these routes you will cycle past even more special and historical places.