Kunstroute Haarlemmermeer Noord

Cycle 44 km past art, monuments, and greenery in Haarlemmermeer North. From Hoofddorp and the Haarlemmermeerse Bos via Vijfhuizen to the Geniedijk.

Cycling past art, monuments, and greenery

Art, history, and a generous dose of greenery — that is what this varied 44.3 km cycling route is all about. The Haarlemmermeer Noord Art Route takes you through the northern part of the municipality, past special places that connect art and nature in a unique way.

The route

You start at the Haarlemmermeerse Bos in Hoofddorp, a green oasis on the edge of the city. As soon as you put your bike on the path, you immediately sense the tranquility of this beautiful nature reserve. You hear birds, smell the forest, and see the first blossoms in the spring. From the forest, you cycle towards Vijfhuizen, a lively village with a rich history. Here you will find Kunstfort Vijfhuizen — a remarkable place where contemporary art and ecology come together on an old fort island. Just a little further on is the impressive National Monument MH17 in Park Vijfhuizen, a memorial forest for the victims of the 2014 plane crash.

You continue heading north and make a short detour to the Amsterdamse Bos, where you ride under tall trees and momentarily forget the hustle and bustle of the city. On the return journey, you follow the historic Geniedijk, part of the Defence Line of Amsterdam. This dike offers a beautiful view of the polder landscape. You also pass the Fort of Hoofddorp, a hidden gem where culture and nature meet. Along the route stand the Story Posts of the Historical Museum Haarlemmermeer — wooden posts filled with stories about the region you discover along the way.

Highlights along the way

1. Haarlemmermeerse Bos – Green starting point with playground, wading pond, and vast nature just outside Hoofddorp.
2. Kunstfort Vijfhuizen – Unique fort island featuring contemporary art addressing current social themes, surrounded by water and nature.
3. MH17 National Monument – An impressive memorial forest in Vijfhuizen Park in memory of the 298 victims of the plane crash.
4. Fort Hoofddorp – Freely accessible fort island where culture and nature meet, including restaurant Fort NOXX.
5. Story Posts (Geniedijk) – Wooden posts along the route tell the history of the Haarlemmermeer in an original way.

Background

The Haarlemmermeer was drained in 1852, making it a relatively young polder landscape. Nevertheless, the municipality harbors a remarkable amount of heritage: forts of the Amsterdam Defence Line (UNESCO World Heritage Site), historic dikes, and monuments commemorating the battle against the water. The Geniedijk, which you cycle along on this route, was once a military defence line. Today, it is a green link between nature, art, and history.

Tips and practical information

1. Distance: 44.3 km (round trip)
2. Starting point: Haarlemmermeerse Bos, Hoofddorp (near the playground towards Spartelvijver)
3. Route type: Cycle route, signposted via junctions
4. Signage: Follow the junction signs along the route.
5. GPX/route map: Available via RouteYou
6. Accessibility: Mostly on paved cycle paths; not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers along the entire route.
7. Food & drink: Along the way, you will pass restaurant Fort NOXX (Fort of Hoofddorp) and Restaurant Geoff's in Aalsmeerderbrug.
8. Accessibility by public transport: Take the train to Hoofddorp station (Intercity/Sprinter, line to Leiden/The Hague or Haarlem). From the station, it is approximately a 10-minute bike ride to the Haarlemmermeerse Bos. Use an NS Fiets for an easy start!