The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Veerplas
4.5
(7922)
47,959
hikers
40
hikes
Dog friendly hiking trails around Veerplas are characterized by a diverse landscape featuring the Veerplas lake, expansive polders, and green spaces. The region offers a mix of open terrain and forested sections, with minimal elevation changes. Hikers can explore paths that provide views of the lake and surrounding Dutch countryside, including the elevated point of Schoteroog. This area provides varied experiences suitable for different activity levels, with many routes accessible for dogs.
Best dog friendly hiking trails around Veerplas
- The most popular dog friendly hiking route is Molen van Vijfhuizen – Vijfhuizer Bridge loop from Haarlem, a 7.0 miles (11.3 km) trail that takes 2 hours 50 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers views of the polder landscape and waterways.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is World War II Monument loop from Haarlem, an easy 3.6 miles (5.8 km) path. This trail leads through green spaces, providing an accessible walk around the area.
- Local hikers also love the Hiking loop from Haarlem, a 3.0 miles (4.9 km) trail leading through varied green terrain, often completed in about 1 hour 14 minutes.
- Hiking around Veerplas is defined by the Veerplas lake, open polders, and green spaces, with some forested sections. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult ability levels.
- The routes in Veerplas are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 7600 reviews. More than 47000 hikers have used komoot to explore Veerplas's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
4.3
(10)
46
hikers
11.3km
02:51
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
19
hikers
5.78km
01:28
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4
hikers
4.96km
01:15
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
32
hikers
13.3km
03:22
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
hikers
5.76km
01:27
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
From here you have a view of the Vijfhuizer Mill. This mill was built in 1874. It was intended to drain the Vijfhuizerpolder and is no longer in operation. It can still turn. You can visit it by appointment. There used to be an earlier mill here that was built around 1650. However, it burned down on the last day of the year 1859. (Source: https://www.molendatabase.nl/molens/ten-bruggencate-nr-01776)
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On the bridge you can see the letters `HMP´. They stand for `hameipoort`, the supporting structure (gate) for the hinges to open and close the drawbridge. (Source: https://liefsuithaarlemmermeer.nl/vijfhuizen/vijfhuizerbrug/ )
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In 1972, the name "De Hommel" was invented by the Zaanse miller C. Krijt sr. That is a nice idea, because of the thick and short body, but historically incorrect. In the polder archive, the designation "De Kleine Molen" is always used. The mill drained the Kleine Polder. Source: https://www.molendatabase.nl/molens/ten-bruggencate-nr-01775
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The Vijhuizerbrug is a drawbridge over the Ringvaart. It connects the Schalkwijk district in Haarlem with the Haarlemmermeer. The bridge was built in 1931. It is a municipal monument.
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For the timetable and more, see: https://www.degroenstroomboot.nl/
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The power boat is a bicycle and pedestrian ferry, also accessible for children's cargo bikes, wheelchair riders and scooters. The ferry has solar panels and therefore runs on green electricity. The powerboat sails on the Ringvaart of the Haarlemmermeerpolder. The crossing is a 5-minute trip between Haarlem/Schalkwijk and Cruquius.
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This bridge connects Haarlemmermeer with the Schalkwijk district in Haarlem. The drawbridge was built in 1931 and is a municipal monument.
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The Vijfhuizermolen is a unique piece of Dutch heritage. The polder mill was built in 1874 to drain the Vijfhuizerpolder. Before that there was also a mill, but it burned down in 1859. The mill is no longer used today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many dog-friendly hiking trails are available around Veerplas?
There are over 35 dog-friendly hiking trails around Veerplas, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and some more challenging routes to explore with your canine companion.
Are there any easy dog-friendly walks suitable for beginners or older dogs?
Yes, Veerplas offers many easy dog-friendly walks. For instance, the World War II Monument loop from Haarlem is an easy 5.8 km route, and the Hiking loop from Haarlem is another easy option at 4.9 km, perfect for a relaxed stroll with your dog.
Can I find circular dog-friendly walks in the Veerplas area?
Absolutely. Many of the dog-friendly trails around Veerplas are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Molen van Vijfhuizen – Vijfhuizer Bridge loop from Haarlem, which is a moderate 11.3 km circuit, or the shorter Vijfhuizermolen – Molen van Vijfhuizen loop from Haarlem at 5.8 km.
What kind of terrain can I expect on dog-friendly hikes in Veerplas?
The terrain around Veerplas is quite varied. You'll encounter easily accessible, well-paved paths, especially around the lake. However, some routes also feature grassy sections, which can be soggy, and forested areas. The landscape includes open polders, green spaces, and sections along the Veerplas lake.
Are there specific areas where dogs can be off-leash?
Yes, certain parts of the routes around Veerplas allow dogs to be off-leash. Look for signage indicating these specific areas. It's always best to keep an eye out for local regulations and ensure your dog is under control.
What natural features or viewpoints can I enjoy with my dog in Veerplas?
Veerplas offers diverse natural beauty. You can enjoy serene lake views of the Veerplas lake itself. The Schoteroog is an elevated point providing magnificent panoramic views of the surroundings, including where the Spaarne and Binnen Liede rivers converge to form the Mooie Nel. Many trails also pass through polders and forested sections.
Are there any historical landmarks accessible on dog-friendly trails?
While the guide focuses on dog-friendly routes, the broader Veerplas area is rich in history. You might encounter landmarks like the historic Molen de Veer (Veer Mill) and various forts of the Stelling van Amsterdam (Defense Line of Amsterdam), a UNESCO World Heritage site, on some of the longer routes.
What is the best season for dog-friendly hikes in Veerplas?
Veerplas is enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. In winter, the lake becomes a haven for large numbers of grey geese and wigeon ducks, offering unique wildlife viewing. Just be aware that grassy sections can be soggy after rain or in winter.
What do other hikers enjoy most about the dog-friendly trails in Veerplas?
The dog-friendly trails in Veerplas are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 7,600 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, the combination of natural beauty with historical interest, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable walks with their dogs.
Are there any longer, more challenging dog-friendly hikes in Veerplas?
Yes, for those looking for a longer adventure, there are moderate dog-friendly hikes available. The Vijfhuizer Bridge – De Hommel Mill loop from Haarlem is a moderate 13.3 km route, offering a more extended exploration of the area with your dog.
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