Zouweboezem – hiking off-the-beaten track in the Netherlands

For a walk in the undiscovered Netherlands, you certainly don't have to travel to the corners of the country. You will find the Zouweboezem near the centrally located Lexmond.

The Zouweboezem, an area of 118 hectares, was formerly used as a storage place for excess polder water. The reed plots grew the reeds that were used to cover farm roofs. Today, these vast swamps and reed beds are home to several species of wetland birds, such as the black tern, water rail, mustache and marsh harrier.

This eleven-kilometer walk takes you past beautiful views of the river Lek, a game area with cattle and the iconic Vliet mill.

The route starts and ends at the Sluis bus station, which is easily accessible from Utrecht Central Station. You start directly on a hiking trail that leads directly along the Lek, including plenty of viewpoints to take in the river at your leisure. Note: the path can be muddy, so wear proper waterproof shoes.

After seven kilometers you can visit the game area next to the trail, where large cattle roam. The last Highlight that is definitely worth the effort is the Vlietmolen, which you will find one kilometer away. The Vlietmolen is a seesaw mill, built to drain the polder Lakerveld. He carried out this task in collaboration with the Bonkmolen, the disappeared Lekkersche Molen and the also disappeared "Rode of Overtogtmolen". In short, a mill with an important history that can still be admired today.