With the weekend just around the corner, head to the 'Vlietland' on the outskirts of The Hague, which offers a beach, water sports, bike rides and dining, all in the picturesque setting of Randstad, along the river Vliet.

The Vlietland is situated on three hundred acre lowland. Forty years ago the land was used solely for grazing cattle and sheep. Development started when it was used as a sand extraction area in the seventies. Today, the Vlietland has grown into a tourist hot spot, attracting around one million holiday-makers each year.

The heart of the Vlietland consists of beautiful lakes, totalling approximately 130 acres. This wetland is ideal for all kinds of water sports, including surfing, sailing, rowing, canoeing, swimming and fishing.

At the Vlietland you can find a port on the Vliet, a port on a lake, a sailing school, rowing facilities, a canoeing centre, a location for the rental of pedal boats, canoes, sailing, motor and row boats, an adventure terrain, a campsite, a yacht club, a surf club, a shelter for canoes and surfboards, a restaurant and several catering pavilions. There are also many beaches including a naturist area. There are also plenty of opportunities for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

With the summer in full swing, now is the time to visit the Vlietland.

As the Vlietland continues to develop it's sport, recreation and accommodation facilities, it is sure to become one of the most versatile and attractive recreational areas in the Netherlands over the coming years.

Claire Ijsbrandij

Location:
The Vlietland is located in Randstad alongside the River Vliet, between Voorschoten, Leiden and Leidschendam.

From the motorway A4, take exit (7) Vlietland / Leiden. From Leiden and Leidschendam, follow the bike path along the river Vliet and follow signs for Vlietland.

For more information and to view a map of the Vlietland visit: www.recreatiegebiedvlietland.nl

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