Sailing around Ringvaart

The route starts at Oude Haagseweg in Sloten, at Jachthaven de Boekanier. From the Nieuwe Meer you first sail past the Amsterdamse Bos towards Aalsmeer. 

Between Aalsmeer and Leimuiden you will find a beautiful peat and lake area, called the Westeinderplassen. Here you can enjoy nature to the fullest, but also all kinds of recreation on and by the water. The Westeinderplassen is a large area, with an area of ​​no less than 10 square kilometers. 

Via Leimuiden you arrive at the southernmost tip of the Haarlemmermeerpolder, on the Kagerplassen. Here you will find the village Buitenkaag. The village was first called Leeghwaterbuurt, named after the Leeghwater pumping station – a special national monument – ​​and only got its current name in the 60s. During the summer months, Buitenkaag is a popular destination for tourists. Here you can enjoy the view of the Kagerplassen, take a nice boat trip or walk through the beautiful surroundings. 
 

You then sail on to Cruquius. Here you will find the historical De Cruquius pumping station, a steam pumping station from 1849. It is one of the three pumping stations with which Haarlemmermeer was drained between 1849 and 1852. This unique location has since been converted into a cultural hotspot with an innovative museum. The Cruquius Museum tells the story of the reclamation of the Haarlemmermeer and the centuries-long struggle against the water. 
 

After Cruquius you continue to Vijfhuizen. When you arrive here you will find it beautiful Kunstfort Vijfhuizen. As the name suggests, this is one of the forts that are part of the Defense Line of Amsterdam. In this special place, visual art and military heritage come together. Here you can view exhibitions, participate in workshops, but also enjoy a snack and a drink.

The last part of the sailing route takes you via Halfweg to Lijnden. This is where you arrive De Lynden pumping station. This historic steam pumping station, together with the Leeghwater and Cruquius steam pumping stations, ensured the drainage of the Haarlemmermeer in 1849.

The route ends where you started, in the port of Sloten. Did you feel like sailing this beautiful route on the water of Haarlemmermeer? Then quickly view the entire route via the link below!