ズーテルメールプラスのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

Nice terrace with a view of the lake and always free parking.

In 1574, the Netherlands, including the city of Leiden, was occupied by the Spanish during the Eighty Years' War. William of Orange breached the dikes, flooding the land. This allowed the Sea Beggars to sail from Rotterdam to Leiden. On September 21, 8,000 Beggars with 400 ships ran aground near 't Geertje farm on Geerweg. They had to wait for high tide. During a heavy storm and rain, the Beggars managed to sail on again on October 2. On October 3, 1574, they liberated Leiden from the Spanish. Since then, the people of Leiden have celebrated the Relief of Leiden on October 3. Source: Zoetermeermijnstad.nl

Versatile farm, with snacks and drinks. A great place to take a break

On this special bridge you are standing exactly at the three-country point of Stompwijk (Leidschendam), Zoeterwoude and Zoetermeer. The bridge was carefully designed and transported to its place over the water, an impressive piece of craftsmanship. From here you have a beautiful view over the polder landscape.

https://degroeneontmoeting.nl/polderpad/zoeterdam/ Information from De Groene Ontmoeting.

Pumping station De Nieuwe Polder. The level of the ditches is 5.70 metres below NAP and all rainwater must be pumped away towards the Oude Rijn in the north and the Rotte in the east. In the past, dozens of mills did this work, now a number of electric pumping stations. Sometimes this is still done from an old building, such as the Pumping station De Nieuwe Polder, which pumps the water from the Zoetermeerse Plas to the Noord Aa. Source: Historical Society Zoetermeer.

At this point the 8000 Geuzen with 400 ships are stranded and wait for high tide. Heavy storm and rainfall ensure that the Watergeuzen can continue their mission on October 2: on to Leiden! On October 3, 1574 Leiden is liberated from the Spanish by the Geuzen

For the approximately 1 million people who live below sea level, this is nothing special. After all, the Delta Works and the many dikes and pumps protect us. However, somewhere in the future there will be an exceptionally extreme day with a higher sea level, storm surge and storm that can deny a disaster that is unparalleled.