24 hours in the Flower Strip: lakes and recreation
Spend the night in a teepee, cruise across picturesque lakes and watch the sun go down over the water on this 24-hour tour. Anyone staying overnight at the Flower Strip will have plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the scenery and recreational activities the region has to offer.
Enjoy a boat tour of the Westeinderplassen
Float past countless islands teeming with flora and fauna on an organised boat tour of the Westeinderplassen. This fascinating cruise will take you through a maze of islands as the knowledgeable skippers fill you in on the region’s horticultural history.
Tuck into a tasty lunch on a secluded lakeside terrace
Papa’s Beach House, situated in the middle of the Haarlemmermeerse forest, is the perfect hidden spot to escape the crowds. Tuck into their delicious lunch menu, have a special Papa's beer on the terrace, dip in the water, or tell stories by the campfire. With loads of seafood on the menu, this restaurant feels like a seaside holiday. Alternatively, read this guide to restaurants and bars in the area for more tips on where to eat nearby.
Discover hidden architectural gems
Your education on water management continues at the Aalsmeer Watertoren. This elaborately decorated water tower, built in the Art Deco style is situated on the edge of the Westeinderplassen. Climb to the top for stunning views of the area. Across the road, the Flower Art Museum is located in the former water cellar. This novel museum organises exhibitions with renowned artists in which flowers and plants play the leading role.
Spend the night in a teepee
Spend the night in a peaceful wooden cabin or teepee tent at RecreatiePark Aalsmeer. This exceptional glamping site offers various accommodation options for groups of between two and four guests. Some of the sites are directly on the water if you fancy some late evening watersports. Fancy a bit more comfort? Rent a room at one of the many other hotels and B&Bs in the region.
Cycle through the flower fields
Renting a bike is the perfect way to explore the flower region at your own pace and just outside the main entrance of Keukenhof, you’ll find Rent-a-Bike van Dam. You have four marked routes to choose from - ranging from between 5km to 25km - all of which are well signposted, fairly flat and very safe. For the real green-fingered fanatics, there is also a longer ‘Bulb Route’, a bum-numbing 35km. Check out this Flowers cycle route, too which passes several of the main attractions in the area
Watch the sun go down over the lakes
After a full day of sightseeing, there’s no better place to watch the sun go down, cocktail in hand, than at On the Rock. Perched on the edge of the Westeinderplassen, this beachy pavilion with a large waterside terrace offers sunset views that are spectacular in every season. The dinner menu here offers creative twists on European classics.
