Picture the iconic water tower. Its 31 meters pierce the sky. This is Roelofarendsveen. A town with a rich history. A history woven into the very fabric of its landscape.
Roelofarendsveen wasn’t always the bustling town we see today. In 1749 only 110 houses stood here. Imagine a much smaller village. A quiet community. It grew slowly alongside Oude Wetering. Now Roelofarendsveen is the largest village in Kaag en Braassem. It boasts over 9000 residents. New houses continuously appear. The population steadily increases.
The village sits in the heart of Kaag en Braassem. It’s grown together with Oude Wetering. Roelofarendsveen is also home to Kaag en Braassem’s town hall. Along the A4 highway. Three large industrial estates exist. De Lasso Zuid. De Lasso Noord. The Veenderveld. Two vast areas are dedicated to horticulture. This town is a major player in the Dutch flower industry. Did you know it produces 25% of the Netherlands’ tulips? That’s why a giant tulip adorns the water tower.
The water tower itself underwent a transformation. It’s now multifunctional. It houses a shop an exhibition space and even apartments. Since 2023 a bed and breakfast operates within its walls. Shopping is done at the Noord and Zuidplein. You’ll find specialty shops and familiar national chains.
Roelofarendsveen has excellent public transport links. It connects easily to Leiden and Schiphol. A train station opened in 1912. The Haarlemmermeer railway line passed through the village. Sadly this line closed in 1936. Only Stationsstraat remains as a reminder.
Of the many mills in Kaag en Braassem only one stands in Roelofarendsveen. The Veendermolen. The Googermolen is on the border officially belonging to Oude Wetering. Water sports enthusiasts love the Braassemermeer and the Wijde Aa. To reach the polders from the Braassemermeer you must pass through a lock. The lock on the Noordkade is manually operated. It’s a unique experience.
The polders are perfect for exploring by boat. Follow the Tulip Route. Information boards tell the history of the tulip. However don’t expect to see actual tulips while boating. The sailing season and the tulip season are different.
Roelofarendsveen is more than just its impressive size and flower production. It’s a living testament to Dutch history. A place where past and present blend seamlessly. A village you’ll never forget.