Discover Harmelen: Nature, History and Cycling Routes

Harmelen combines varied landscapes with a multifaceted history. In Vijverbos, bodies of water, ash coppice, deciduous woodland, grassland and an orchard alternate with one another. De Kievit complements this landscape with wet hay meadows and an orchard with standard fruit trees. There are also buildings and paths that provide particularly vivid insight into the development of the municipality. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Harmelen, you can therefore shape your stay around nature observation, cultural history, walking or cycling.

Holiday apartment in Harmelen: nature, paths and history

Vijverbos consists largely of ash coppice and bodies of water. There are also deciduous woodland, grassland and an orchard. The combination of open and dense, as well as wet and dry, habitats provides a home for numerous plant and animal species. The different landscape elements make the area a specific destination for anyone who wants to discover not only villages but also changing habitats during their stay.

Stichting De Kievit is a small nature reserve on the edge of Harmelen where visitors can walk through a varied landscape. A historic day labourer's cottage from 1862 forms the centre of the reserve. Stichting De Kievit regularly organises excursions, workshops and activities focusing on birds, bees, plants, and life in and around the water. De Kievit is located on the western side of the municipality of Harmelen and borders a residential area and the Hollandse Kade.

Harmelen is particularly rich in traces of history. Kasteel Huize Harmelen dates from around 1270. In its earlier form, it was restored in 1535 and recognised as a Ridderhofstad in 1536. The present Kasteel Huize Harmelen was built in 1937 in a historic style on the northern part of the foundation of the former house. The Nederlands Hervormde Kerk in Harmelen also has a long building history: traces of construction date from the 14th century, while its present form dates from the 15th century. The nave is 12 metres wide.

Gemaal De Adriaan was built in 1873 and historically played an important role in keeping the Bijleveld, Reijerscop, Mastwijk and Achthoven polders dry. The building has been preserved, is privately owned and cannot be visited inside. The former lock keeper's house still stands at Haanwijkersluis, at Jaagpad 16. After the shipping route had been improved in the mid-17th century, the Haanwijkerdam was replaced by Haanwijkersluis following prolonged pressure.

Walking and cycling in and around Harmelen

Several different routes lead through the landscape and its history, making for active days out. The Romeinse Limes: Bodegraven–Harmelen route takes walkers and cyclists past remains of the Roman past. The Doortraproute Vleuten passes through Harmelen, mostly using cycle paths, roads with cycle lanes and low-traffic roads. This means that different types of cycling are available for planning your trip.

The Potterskaderoute is a walking trail between Harmelen and Woerden. It runs mostly along semi-paved towpaths and grass embankments. Because of unpaved paths, tree roots and sections on an embankment without room to pass, this route is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

To the higher-level travel overview: Woerden.