Vredevoetpad
The Vredevoetpad in Tienhoven is a varied walking route through a typical Dutch peatland landscape. You’ll walk past ponds, reed beds and herb-rich grasslands where you can spot plenty of birds.
Along the way, you’ll come across benches where you can take a break and pass the historic De Trouwe Wachter windmill. A lovely route for those who enjoy peace and quiet, nature and sweeping views.
EASTERN INNER POLDER
The best view along the Vredevoetpad is from the viewing hill. From here, you can look out over the Eastern Tienhoven polder. An open and peaceful landscape, where water and reeds alternate. In 2018, the Province of Utrecht redeveloped this area with the aim of creating high-quality, world-class nature.
The area forms part of the Natura 2000 site ‘Oostelijke Vechtplassen’. This means that great care is taken to protect vulnerable plants and animals. And you can see the results. The bittern now feels completely at home amongst the reeds here. With a bit of luck, you’ll hear its distinctive ‘hoemp’ call echoing across the landscape.
A lovely spot to pause for a moment and enjoy the nature around you.
The faithful guardian
The walking route passes by the faithful guardian, a swing mill dating from 1833. This historic mill was once used to regulate the water level in the polder and thus keep the land dry.
Although the mill is no longer in daily use, it is still maintained and occasionally put into operation by volunteers. In this way, this piece of water management heritage remains visible and tangible within the landscape of the Oostelijke Vechtplassen.
BIRD BREEDING AREA
The Oostelijke Vechtplassen form an important breeding ground for birds that depend on reeds and marshes. Species such as the bittern and the purple heron breed in the vast reed beds, where they find peace and plenty of food.
The Little Bittern and the Great Reed Warbler also feel at home along the water-rich banks with their abundant reeds. In addition, the area is significant for other marsh and water birds, such as the Spotted Crake, the Black Tern and the Kingfisher. Together, these species make the area a vibrant and valuable bird habitat.
Combine with an overnight stay
Staying at Flora Batava is an ideal base from which to explore the natural beauty of the Oostelijke Vechtplassen. The Vredevoetwandeling is 9 km from the Flora Batava hotel and is a varied route taking you past reed beds, lakes and sweeping views.
After a day of walking through the Oostelijke Vechtplassen, you’ll return to a comfortable setting where you can relax and spend the night in a special place.
Explore further accommodation options at Flora Batava.
Extend your time at the table
You are also welcome at Flora Batava for lunch or dinner. Restaurant Bloei is situated on the River Vecht and is the perfect way to round off a wonderful day’s walk.
Book a table for lunch or dinner.
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