Reeuwijkse plassen, Lake system in South Holland, Netherlands
The Reeuwijkse Plassen is a lake system in South Holland composed of thirteen bodies of water connected by channels and dotted with small islands. The area spans a considerable expanse with multiple access points and facilities for boating and water recreation.
The lake system originated from medieval peat extraction, when communities dug into the ground to harvest material. These excavations gradually filled with water and developed over centuries into the connected waterways we see today.
The lakes serve as a gathering place where locals spend their leisure time and where daily life revolves around the water. You will see sailboats, fishing enthusiasts, and families using the open water to escape the busier surroundings.
The area is well accessible to visitors, with several boat rental locations around the lakes and designated areas for swimming and fishing. Water conditions can vary depending on the season and weather, so it is helpful to check local conditions before your visit.
Some houses on the water are built to rise and fall with changing water levels. These floating or anchored structures show how residents have adapted to the natural rhythm of the fluctuating waters.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
