NS-wandeling Geniedijk

Walk 17.3 km from Hoofddorp NS station along the historic Geniedijk, through the Haarlemmermeerse Bos and over the towpath along the Spaarne to Haarlem.

From polder dike to city center: a walk full of history

The NS Geniedijk walking route connects two worlds: the open, water-rich polder of Haarlemmermeer with the historic city center of Haarlem. Over 17.3 kilometers, you walk past military forts, through a vast forest, and along a picturesque towpath. Both the starting point and the end point are directly accessible by train — ideal for those leaving the car at home.

Directions

You start at Hoofddorp NS station, which is easily reached by train from Amsterdam, Haarlem, or Leiden. From the station, you quickly step onto the green Geniedijk. This is no ordinary dike: it is a long, narrow ribbon of grass and trees that runs like a silent axis through the Haarlemmermeerpolder. On either side, you see the flat polder, with occasionally a plane flying low in the distance towards Schiphol. That contrast—nature and aviation—makes this route unique.

You pass Fort Hoofddorp, one of the forts along the famous Amsterdam Defence Line. Here you can smell the dampness of the surrounding water and hear birds in the dense vegetation around the fort island. Afterwards, you walk through the Haarlemmermeerse Bos, a vast recreational area with wide avenues, ponds, and silence. In spring, wild plants bloom along the paths; in autumn, the forest paints itself in warm gold and red.

Next, you walk along the Ringvaart, the impressive canal that encloses the entire polder. You follow the water for a while until you join the towpath along the Spaarne. This narrow path along the river leads you peacefully towards Haarlem. You see boats sailing, herons stand motionless on the bank, and in the distance, the skyline of Haarlem slowly appears. After the towpath, you walk into the beautiful city center of Haarlem — a perfect ending to a special journey.

Highlights along the way

1. The Geniedijk – A green, tree-lined dike that forms part of the historic Defence Line of Amsterdam, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
2. Fort Hoofddorp – A freely accessible fort island where nature and culture come together. Ideal for a short detour or a break at restaurant Fort NOXX.
3. Haarlemmermeerse Bos – A large forest area just above Hoofddorp, with quiet walking paths, open grasslands, and the Spartelvijver.
4. The Ringvaart – The impressive ring canal of about 60 kilometers that was once dug to enclose the reclaimed Haarlemmermeer polder.
5. Towpath along the Spaarne – A picturesque path along the river towards Haarlem, with beautiful views of the water and the surrounding nature.

Background story

The Geniedijk was constructed as part of the Stelling van Amsterdam, a defensive line surrounding the capital built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The dike served as a dry connecting route between the forts and batteries. In 1996, the Stelling van Amsterdam was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The fact that you walk along a piece of World Heritage while planes fly low overhead makes this route a unique blend of old and new.

Practical information

1. Distance: 17.3 km (linear route, no loop)
2. Starting point: Hoofddorp NS station — accessible by train from Amsterdam Centraal (~15 min), Haarlem (~10 min) and Leiden Centraal (~25 min)
3. Final destination: Haarlem City Centre — Haarlem NS station within walking distance for the return journey
4. Signage: Follow the directions via RouteYou or download the GPX
5. Dogs: Allowed, keep them on a leash at the fort and during the breeding season (March–July)
6. Accessibility: The towpath along the Spaarne is narrow and not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers; the Haarlemmermeerse Bos has wide paved paths.
7. Tip: Plan the walk on a weekday for extra peace and quiet on the towpath. During the breeding season (spring), you will see many birds along the Ringvaart and the Spaarne.