Imagine Oude Wetering as a village whispering tales from centuries ago. It is a place defined by its waterway. This is “De Wetering”.
Oude Wetering got its start as a peat excavation settlement. The village developed along the canal in the 13th century. Its name means “old waterway.” The “Oude” distinguishes it from Nieuwe Wetering.
In 1342, Oude Wetering appeared on maps. It was a village known for fishing. There were also shipyards, sailmakers and pubs for sailors. Later, shops provided supplies to ships. Today, much of that commerce has moved. It’s now near the Meerkreuk, close to Roelofarendsveen. Many people can’t tell where Oude Wetering ends and Roelofarendsveen begins.
Water sports still play a big part in Oude Wetering. The village sits between the Braassemermeer and the Ringvaart. This offers access to Amsterdam and the Kagerplassen. You’ll still find sailing schools and yacht harbors here. Boats are available for rent. Cruise ships often dock here in spring. Tourists visit Oude Wetering on their way to places like Keukenhof.
A bridge over the Ringvaart connects Oude Wetering to Weteringbrug. A ferry at the end of Veerstraat crosses to Leimuiden.
Oude Wetering once had a railway station from 1912 to 1936. It was part of the Leiden-Hoofddorp line. There were also four churches. Today, three churches remain near the Wetering. These are the former Dutch Reformed Church, the Remonstrant Church and the former Reformed Church. The latter is now a cultural center called De Spreng.
In 2021, Oude Wetering had a population of 2,915. It is part of the municipality of Kaag en Braassem in South Holland.
The Ringvaart surrounds the Haarlemmermeer polder. It helps manage water. The canal is 61 kilometers long and 2.4 meters deep.
Oude Wetering celebrates with a week of activities in early July. It ends with a lively street fair on Saturday. The braderie draws many visitors. Oude Wetering is a village with a rich past and a vibrant present.