Storytelling theme Human
In this cycle route of about twenty kilometers you will discover the special inhabitants of Haarlemmermeer. You cycle past the story posts. Scan the QR code on the pole and find out more. Such as the life story of the first polder residents and the heroic Boogaard family who took people into hiding during the war years. The route is a circle around Hoofddorp. Do you want to know where you can rent a bike? Then look here.
Starting point
This themed route starts at the Drie Merenweg car park (bicycle junction 54), nearby The Green Wealth in Hoofddorp. Are you ready for a cup of coffee with cake or a pancake before this trip? The Pancake Pavilion is open six days a week from 10.00 am.
1 Big Spotters Hill
Drive a circle to the left, the vantage point of Haarlemmermeer: the Big Spotters Hill. If you are ready for a tough challenge, you can climb the mountain. With no less than 9% gradient, it is a real calf biter! Then get on your bike and ride towards the center of Hoofddorp (bicycle junction 58). For example, you can drive down the Geniedijk or choose a route through the village.
2 Center Hoofddorp
You will find the first story pole on the Hoofdweg 3 FARMER on your route. The story 'Grain for Fish' can be found on the cycle path along the Hoofdweg south of the Hoofdweg/Molen bus stop. Do you want to buy grain yourself after hearing this story? Then pay a visit to the mill shop The Initial.
3 Old Secretary
You will find cycle junction 62 on the Ringvaart at the intersection with the Hoofdweg/Bennebroekerweg. story pole 4 AUTHORITY about the Old Secretary. Here in 1856, after the reclamation of the Haarlemmermeer, the city council of the brand new municipality met for the first time. The building is no longer visible because it burned down in 1915.
4 Hiding address
Continue cycling and go straight on the Bennebroekerweg for 1,5 kilometers towards the A4 motorway. Then turn right (near Eazzypark) onto the Rijnlanderweg. You will find it at number 1253 story pole 5 RESISTANCE and the special story of the Boogaard family. Dozens of people in hiding found shelter on the farm during the war years. Tip: now you can find here cheese factory Van Wees. So also take cheese with you in your pannier!
5 Geniedijk
After this stop, turn around and cycle all the way down Rijnlanderweg until you reach cycle junction 63 on Geniedijk. Then continue to junction 59 and turn left onto Pad om de Noord. Enjoy the wonderful polder views and the spectacle of landing and taking off planes. Turn left at the IJweg and through it Haarlemmermeer forest you will then arrive at the starting point of your route.
End point
End your day with a visit to the Historical Museum to learn more about the special Haarlemmermeerders. The museum is located on the edge of the Haarlemmermeer forest near the starting point.
