Zevenhuizen: Water, Nature and Village History

Zevenhuizen combines waterscapes, nature areas, a cycling route and a historic church. The Zevenhuizerplas and the Rottemeren shape its waterside character; Koornmolengat and Natuurpolder Hennipgaarde represent different aspects of nature. There is also a cycling loop and a recreational boating route that includes Zevenhuizen as a port of call.

Waterscapes and nature

The Zevenhuizerplas in Zevenhuizen is the largest bathing lake in the province of Zuid-Holland. The Rottemeren are also close to Zevenhuizen. The two names highlight different aspects of the destination: the Zevenhuizerplas is notable for its size within the province, while the Rottemeren are notable for their proximity to the village.

The small Koornmolengat nature reserve comprises swamp woodland, peat bog and three open ponds. A colony of cormorants lives there, and there is also a wide variety of waterbirds and other birds. Koornmolengat thus brings together different landscape features and a diverse bird population—a different focus from the waterside character described through the Zevenhuizerplas and the Rottemeren.

Natuurpolder Hennipgaarde borders the village of Zevenhuizen. It covers 9 hectares and is intended for recreation, experiencing nature and nature education. The polder has an adventurous play and activity area; you can also walk along the agricultural trail and enjoy views of the Eendrachtsmolen. These different features make the nature spots easy to distinguish by interest: this one offers a play and activity area as well as a walk with views of a windmill, while Koornmolengat is defined by its habitats and birdlife.

Cycling route and recreational boating

Fietsroute 1 is a 23-kilometre cycling route from Zevenhuizen via Moerkapelle and the Zevenhuizerplas, returning to Zevenhuizen. Its route description gives both the starting and finishing point and two intermediate points; the distance helps you gauge the length of the loop. Route conditions may change independently of the description. Check current conditions before setting off.

The recreational boating route follows the Rotte, Ringvaart and Hollandsche IJssel from Rotterdam to Gouda, or in the opposite direction; Zevenhuizen is a port of call. The route includes infrastructure that was completed or updated by 2024. Check current conditions on the water before setting out. Unlike the 23-kilometre cycling loop, this is a connection between the named cities that includes Zevenhuizen as a port of call.

Church history and getting there

The church at Dorpsstraat 170 in Zevenhuizen originally dates from around 1500. After a fire in 1699, it was rebuilt using parts of the Gothic masonry; the reconstruction was completed in 1701. Its furnishings include a carved pulpit from the first half of the 17th century. The dates mark different periods in the building’s history: the original construction, the dated furnishing and the reconstruction each have their own place.

For road travel, Zevenhuizen is directly connected to the A12 and A20 motorways via the N219. This road connection provides a separate point of reference for travel planning, alongside the cycling and boating routes.

Discover more destinations: Nieuwerkerk Aan Den Ijssel, Moerkapelle.

For the broader travel overview: Zuidplas.