Leidschendam, town and former municipality in South Holland, the Netherlands
Leidschendam is a town situated right next to The Hague in the Netherlands and part of the municipality Leidschendam-Voorburg. Houses and shops sit closely together in the center, while parks, waterways, and fields surrounding it create a sense of openness and allow water and nature to play a central role in daily life.
The settlement grew around a dam on the Vliet river that controlled water flow and protected the land from flooding. Over time, locks were built to allow boats to pass through, transforming the area into a working town while keeping the water management system central to its identity.
The name Leidschendam comes from 'Leidsche Dam', referring to the old dam that shaped water management in the region. Today, you can see this water-centered way of life reflected in how people spend time by the canals, watching boats, and enjoying nature woven into the town.
The town is easy to reach by public transport with regular trains, trams, and buses connecting to The Hague and nearby cities. Cycling and walking paths run throughout the area, making it simple to get around on foot or by bike.
An old sawmill called Mill de Salamander has been turned into a place where visitors can learn how the mill operated and how the area once produced wood and materials. It reveals a forgotten side of local industry and the role craftwork played in the town's past.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
