Hooge Kampse Plas and Groenekan Loop

Starting from the outskirts of Utrecht, the trailhead for this 13 km (about 8 miles) loop is conveniently located near the village of Groenekan, just north of the city. The nearest significant landmark is the Groenekan railway station, making it easily accessible by train from Utrecht Centraal in under 15 minutes. For those arriving by car, parking is available near the station and along the main road through Groenekan.

Getting Oriented and Navigation

The route is flat, with virtually no elevation gain, making it suitable for all fitness levels and ideal for a leisurely day out. To stay on track, use HiiKER for reliable navigation, as the loop weaves through a mix of open water, woodland, and agricultural land.

Highlights Along the Route

Hooge Kampse Plas Nature Reserve Within the first 2 km (1.2 miles), you’ll enter the Hooge Kampse Plas, a reclaimed sand excavation site now transformed into a vibrant wetland. The area is a haven for birdwatchers, with regular sightings of great crested grebes, herons, and cormorants. Reed beds and willow thickets line the water’s edge, and in spring and summer, wildflowers attract butterflies and dragonflies.

Woodland and Farmland Continuing north, the trail skirts the edge of the Plas before passing through mixed woodland and open fields. At around 5 km (3 miles), you’ll notice the landscape shift to agricultural land, with traditional Dutch farmhouses and grazing cattle. The flat terrain and well-maintained paths make this section particularly accessible for families and casual walkers.

Groenekan and Historical Context Approaching the halfway point, the route loops near the village of Groenekan. This area is steeped in history, with remnants of World War II bunkers and defensive lines from the New Dutch Waterline (Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie). These 19th-century fortifications were designed to flood the land and protect the city of Utrecht from invasion. Some bunkers are visible from the path, and interpretive signs provide context about their role in Dutch military history.

Wildlife and Seasonal Changes

Throughout the loop, keep an eye out for roe deer in the early morning or late afternoon, as well as foxes and hares in the meadows. The wetlands attract a variety of waterfowl year-round, and the woodlands are home to songbirds and woodpeckers. In autumn, the trees put on a colorful display, while winter brings a stark beauty to the open water and frosted fields.

Facilities and Practical Tips

There are several benches and picnic spots along the route, particularly near the water’s edge and in shaded woodland areas. Public toilets and a small café can be found in Groenekan village, roughly halfway through the loop. The entire route is well-marked, but using HiiKER will ensure you don’t miss any turns, especially where the trail crosses minor roads or farm tracks.

The Hooge Kampse Plas and Groenekan Loop offers a gentle, scenic walk through some of Utrecht’s most accessible countryside, blending natural beauty with a touch of Dutch history.