Walking routes around the Zuidlaardermeer

Four tested walking routes, from a relaxed loop past the bird hide to a full day around the lake.

Pieterpol loop — 3 km · 45 min

Family-friendly loop past the Pieterpol bird hide. Start at Meerweg, follow the blue markers. Halfway you'll find a viewpoint over the reed beds — in the early morning you'll hear great bitterns and bearded reedlings.

Klooster Yesse — 9 km · 2 h

Historic route past the remains of the 13th-century Cistercian abbey in Essen. Combines reed, wet meadow and woodland. Start at De Groeve car park. On the way you pass two bird observation points and the old abbey garden.

Noordlaren → Zuidlaren — 12 km · 3 h

One-way walk along the eastern shore, with a coffee stop in Noordlaren. Particularly rewarding in October when thousands of barnacle geese arrive. End point Meerzicht in Zuidlaren — you can take the regional bus back.

Around the lake — 28 km · full day

The big loop around the entire Zuidlaardermeer, partly on cycle paths and partly on unpaved tracks. Sturdy footwear recommended. Two lunch stops along the way: Café Plaza in De Groeve and Meerzicht in Zuidlaren.