Detour Big Spotters Hill

The walk starts at the parking lot in the Haarlemmermeerse Bos in Hoofddorp, at the old location of the former restaurant Vork En Mes, right on the lake.  

You walk the first part of the route through the beautiful Haarlemmermeer forest. This beautiful nature reserve is no less than 115 hectares in size and has special hiking trails where you can discover the diversity of nature. The forest also offers recreation for young and old. For example, there are several playgrounds for the smallest visitors and there is a play trail. To the left of restaurant Papa's Beach House you will find a small playground on the water. Adults can access from the terrace Dad's Beach House Into the water yourself, for a nice swim or even supping! 

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.

From Vijfhuizen you walk via the Plesman corner to a known place: event location Expo Greater Amsterdam. The glass building was erected during the Floriade 2002. The exhibition space has an area of ​​no less than 26.000 square meters and even has an auditorium. This unique glass accommodation is the perfect location for various fairs and events, such as Bright Day, Citromobile, the Libelle Summer Week and various flea markets. 

From Expo Haarlemmermeer you walk a bit through the Haarlemmermeerse Bos, where you 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! 

The route ends where you started, at the parking lot in the Haarlemmermeerse Bos. Did you feel like walking this walking route? Then quickly view the entire route via the link below!