Oegstgeest Travel Guide

Discover the charming town of Oegstgeest in the Netherlands with our comprehensive travel guide, including must-see attractions, things to do, dining options, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Oegstgeest

Nestled in the heart of Bollenstreek, in South Holland, Oegstgeest is a picturesque town that offers visitors an opportunity to experience Dutch culture in a natural and serene environment. With a population of just over 24,000, the town is small enough to walk around but still has plenty of attractions, dining options, and accommodations to make your stay enjoyable.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the top things to do in Oegstgeest, including museums and historical landmarks, nature areas, hiking and biking routes, and more. We’ll also dive into the local food and drink scene and highlight some must-try dishes and local beverages. And, we’ll offer tips on where to stay, how to get around, and what to buy as souvenirs.

Whether you’re visiting Oegstgeest on a day trip or planning a longer stay, our guide will help you make the most of your time in this charming town.

List of Places to Visit in Oegstgeest

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Oud Poelgeest Estate - A 17th-century estate featuring a castle, gardens, and a forest area. The estate is open to visitors, and guided tours are available.

  • Corpus Museum - An interactive museum that takes visitors on a journey through the human body. The museum is suitable for all ages and offers a unique educational experience.

  • Museum Volkenkunde - A museum that showcases cultural diversity from around the world. Visitors can explore exhibitions on various topics, including history, art, and music.

Natural Attractions of Oegstgeest: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Klinkenbergerplas Lake - A beautiful lake surrounded by lush greenery and a popular spot for water sports, picnics, and outdoor activities.

  • Leidse Hout Park - A large park that features a playground, walking trails, and a petting zoo. The park is ideal for a family day out.

  • Van der Valk Natural Reserve - A nature reserve featuring hiking trails, cycling routes, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Oegstgeest

  • Kagerplassen Route - A scenic 27km cycling route that takes you through the seaside communities of Katwijk, Noordwijk, and Wassenaar.

  • Leyduin Route - A 13km hiking route that takes you through Van der Valk Natural Reserve and Leyduin Estate.

  • Bollenroute - A 24km cycling route that takes you through the famous flower fields of Bollenstreek and past some of the region’s most beautiful landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Oegstgeest: Activities and Tours

  • Exploring the Town Centre - You can take a leisurely stroll around the town centre and explore its charming streets, historic buildings, and local shops.

  • Boat Tour - You can take a boat tour of the surrounding waterways and enjoy a unique perspective of the town.

  • Beach Day - You can take a short drive to the nearby beaches of Katwijk and Noordwijk and enjoy a day of sun, sand, and sea.

Week-Long Itinerary for Oegstgeest

Day Activities
1 Visit the Oud Poelgeest Estate, take a boat tour of the waterways, and explore the town centre.
2 Enjoy a day out in Leidse Hout Park and visit the Museum Volkenkunde.
3 Explore the Van der Valk Natural Reserve and Leyduin Estate.
4 Take a cycling tour of the Bollenstreek flower fields.
5 Spend a day at the Klinkenbergerplas Lake and enjoy water sports and picnic.
6 Visit the Corpus Museum and take a guided tour of the town centre.
7 Enjoy a beach day at the nearby seaside towns of Katwijk and Noordwijk.

Food and Drink Scene of Oegstgeest

Must-Try Dishes

  • Haring - A traditional Dutch dish made with raw herring, sliced onions, and pickles.

  • Stroopwafel - A delicious sweet treat made with two thin waffles filled with caramel syrup.

  • Poffertjes - Miniature fluffy pancakes served with butter and powdered sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Genever - A traditional Dutch gin that is perfect for a nightcap.

  • Heineken - A famous Dutch beer that is enjoyed both locally and internationally.

  • Jenever - A Dutch version of gin that is often mixed with tonic and served with a slice of lime.

Where to Stay in Oegstgeest: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Van der Valk Hotel Leiden - A luxurious hotel that features spacious rooms, an on-site restaurant, and an outdoor terrace.

  • Van der Valk Hotel Oostzaan - A modern hotel that features comfortable rooms, an on-site spa, and a fitness centre.

  • B&B Nieuw Poelvliet - A cozy guesthouse that provides a home-away-from-home atmosphere and is just a short distance from the town centre.

What to Buy in Oegstgeest: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Delft Blue Pottery - A famous type of pottery that originated in the town of Delft and features blue and white designs.

  • Stroopwafels - A delicious Dutch sweet treat that is perfect for sharing.

  • Cheese - A variety of Dutch cheeses, including Gouda and Edam, are available in shops and markets throughout the town.

Local Culture and Customs of Oegstgeest

The people of Oegstgeest are friendly and welcoming, so it is easy to feel at home in the town. Common customs include shaking hands when meeting someone new and using polite language and gestures.

Best Time to Visit Oegstgeest

The best time to visit Oegstgeest is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild, and the flower fields are in full bloom. However, the town is beautiful all year round, and each season offers its unique charm.

Do’s and Don’ts of Oegstgeest

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine, including haring, stroopwafels, and poffertjes.

  • Take a boat tour of the waterways for a unique perspective of the town.

  • Respect the local culture and customs.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public areas, including cafes and restaurants.

  • Be loud or disruptive in public spaces.

  • J-walk or cycle through red lights.

Safety and Health

Safety in Oegstgeest

Oegstgeest is a safe town, and visitors can feel comfortable walking around at night. However, it is always advisable to take basic precautions, such as keeping valuables out of sight and being aware of your surroundings.

Health in Oegstgeest

Oegstgeest has a good healthcare system, and visitors can access medical care if needed. Visitors should ensure that they have appropriate health insurance coverage before travelling to the Netherlands.

Getting to Oegstgeest: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Oegstgeest

Oegstgeest is conveniently located near 2 airports:

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport - Approximately 30km from Oegstgeest.

  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport - Approximately 34km from Oegstgeest.

Bus Stations Near Oegstgeest

  • Oegstgeest Bus Station - The main bus station in the town centre, with connections to nearby towns and cities.

Other Options

  • Train - Oegstgeest does not have a train station, but the nearby city of Leiden has connections to major cities in the Netherlands.

How to Get Around in Oegstgeest

The best way to get around Oegstgeest is on foot or by bike. The town is small, and most attractions are within walking distance. Bikes can be rented from various shops and businesses in the town centre.

Where to Go Next from Oegstgeest: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Leiden - A historic university city with beautiful canals and an abundance of museums and cultural attractions.

  • The Hague - The political capital of the Netherlands, with international courts, beautiful beach, and a wide range of cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Oegstgeest is a hidden gem in the Netherlands that offers visitors a chance to experience Dutch culture in a natural and serene environment. With its beautiful natural attractions, historic landmarks, and delicious cuisine, Oegstgeest is the perfect destination for a short or extended stay. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures or cultural attractions, Oegstgeest has something for everyone.

Oudhofmolen Oudhofmolen Natural ice skating rink in front of the Oud Poelgeest castle. Natural ice skating rink in front of the Oud Poelgeest castle. CORPUS CORPUS