NS walk Geniedijk
You pass the forts and batteries of the Geniedijk. After this you walk through the Haarlemmermeerse Bos and along the Ringvaart. A towpath along the Spaarne will eventually take you to the beautiful city center of Haarlem.
Starting point
The route starts at NS station Hoofddorp.
1 Fort near Hoofddorp
You will find it as the first special location Fortress of Hoofddorp. There is a lot to experience at this unique historical place from 1904. For example, you can attend theater performances and concerts in the open-air theater and view exhibitions in this beautiful monumental building. You can also go to for a delicious lunch or dinner restaurant Fort NOXX.
2 Big Spotters Hill
Via the Geniedijk and the Haarlemmermeerse Bos you will then arrive at Big Spotters Hill. This hill was constructed in 2002 for the Floriade and is 42 meters high. The mound is made of the earth that was released during the excavation of ditches and ponds on the Floriade site. The shape is based on the Pyramid of Cheops in Egypt. Big Spotters Hill is a special vantage point in the Haarlemmermeerse Bos. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful view here!
3 Kunstfort Vijfhuizen
Via the Haarlemmermeerse Bos you walk up 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.
4 De Cruquius pumping station
From Vijfhuizen you walk along the water on the Cruquiusdijk to the historic De Cruquius pumping station. This steam pumping station from 1849 is one of 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. After discovering the fascinating history of Gemaal de Cruquius you can go to restaurant Teahouse Cruquius enjoy a delicious lunch. The restaurant is located right next to the pumping station, in a unique location with an unobstructed view over the water.
End point
From Cruquius you walk along the Spaarne up to Haarlem. The route ends at the NS station in Haarlem. Have you been inspired to do this extensive walking route? Then quickly view the entire route via the link below!
More about the starting point
Starting point route
Hoofddorp station
Van Heuven Goedhart Avenue
2132 LR Hoofddorp
The Netherlands