Craving an escape from the city’s hustle? The Rondehoep offers a serene retreat. This polder, a tranquil area, lies just west of Amsterdam-Zuidoost. It’s a world away from the urban sprawl.
The Rondehoep is a polder and quiet area. It lies in the southeast of the Dutch province of North Holland. It is west of Amsterdam-Zuidoost and east of the Amstel. The Rondehoep belongs to the municipality of Ouder-Amstel.
Imagine this: vast grasslands stretching before you. The Rondehoep encompasses 1266 hectares, with 900 hectares of lush grassland. Dairy farms dot the landscape. They add a touch of rural charm.
Did you know the Rondehoep is a haven for birds? In the polder’s heart lies a 165-hectare meadow bird area. Since 2006, it has been managed to create ideal conditions for these birds. The water level is deliberately kept higher. This attracts various water birds. Geese, lapwings, and golden plovers flock here in winter. Spring sees young meadow birds thrive.
Consider the unique pattern of the ditches. Medieval settlers drained this peat area. They dug ditches from the riverbanks. They met in the middle, forming a star-like pattern. This peculiar pattern still defines the landscape.
But here’s a secret: The Rondehoep almost became a highway. Plans for the A3 highway, dating back to the 1930s, would have cut through it. Fortunately, these plans were abandoned in the 1970s. The Rondehoep remains one of the largest open, undeveloped areas in the Randstad.
A circular road traces the polder’s edge. This 17 km route is popular with cyclists and walkers. It offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The Rondehoep also hosts the annual Rondehoeploop, a running race. From April to September, the Fuut ferry connects Amstelveen and the polder.
However, there’s a hidden risk. The Rondehoep is designated as an emergency storage area. In the event of flooding, it can be inundated with water. This measure is only for extreme circumstances. It is expected to occur once every 100 years.
Sadly, the Rondehoep was once nominated for UNESCO World Heritage status. Despite its unique qualities, it didn’t make the final list. Yet, as Kees van Tilburg said, “Polder de Rondehoep is and remains unique.”
Take a moment to appreciate the silence. Listen to the birds. Breathe in the fresh air. The Rondehoep offers a peaceful escape. It is a reminder of the natural beauty that lies just beyond Amsterdam’s city limits.