Zoetermeer

Introduction

You will find Zoetermeer situated in the Western Netherlands within the province of South Holland. Once a small village, the area has transformed into a significant city that remains part of the Greater The Hague urban area.

While it began as a suburb of The Hague, you can explore this location where the land meets the water and experience its growth from a modest settlement into a prominent population center in the region.

Getting there

You can reach Zoetermeer easily thanks to its well-developed infrastructure as a commuter city. If you are traveling by car, navigate toward the A12 highway and take either the "Zoetermeer-Oost" or "Zoetermeer-Centrum" exit.

Train travelers can board a sprinter train from The Hague heading toward Gouda or Utrecht, departing at either the "Zoetermeer" or "Zoetermeer-oost" stations. Note that Intercity Services do not stop at these locations. Alternatively, you can use the randstadrail light rail system, which connects Zoetermeer with Rotterdam, Leidschendam, and The Hague.

Getting around

You can navigate Zoetermeer using an extensive transportation network that includes the Randstadrail and local bus services. While the rail system covers much of the city, buses operated by Arriva and EBS provide access to areas not reached by train. If you are arriving from The Hague or Utrecht, aim for Zoetermeer train station rather than Zoetermeer-Oost to ensure better connections. From there, cross the footbridge to the Randstadrail platform to reach Zoetermeer Centrum West, a central hub where all buses depart and where you can find local shops and the town hall.

To travel by bus, train, or tram, you can use an OV-chipkaart, which is available at various train stations, kiosks, and supermarkets. While you can purchase a one-way ticket directly from a bus driver, using the OV-chipcard is the standard method for transit across the region. If you choose to use the Randstadrail, note that the on-board ticket machines only accept coins; if you do not have coins or the machine is unavailable, you can speak with the conductors to arrange your fare.

Where to stay

You can find several hotels located primarily around the business district of Zoetermeer. These accommodations cater mostly to business travelers and are situated on opposite sides of the station.

• If you prefer a local experience or are traveling as a young traveler, you might consider couchsurfing due to the active and large community in the area.

Food & drink

You will find limited dining options throughout the city, with most local establishments serving Chinese and Indonesian cuisine. For a multi-course meal, you can dine at Hoeve Kromwijk located near the Westerpark.

The selection of pubs is also sparse. You can find several establishments in the old centre along Dorpsstraat, while others are situated around Stadhuisplein. When exploring these areas, be mindful that it is strictly forbidden to carry open containers of alcoholic beverages in the centre of Zoetermeer.

What to see and do

Explore the local history of this young city by visiting its few historic landmarks. You can admire the architecture of the old church, a Classicist building featuring a Louis XVI style pulpit from the 17th century. Nearby, you can see the "de Hoop" windmill or visit the Stadsmuseum Zoetermeer to learn about the local history through various temporary exhibits.

For those seeking active entertainment, the city offers diverse options such as rock climbing, rafting, white water canoeing, and ice-skating. You can experience indoor skiing and snowboarding at Snowworld, which also features a restaurant with views of the piste. If you prefer gaming, the Nationaal Videogame Museum houses a collection of arcade machines and consoles that you can play.

Three days in Zoetermeer

Day one, you can begin your journey in the Centrum of Zoetermeer. You can explore the local area and experience the atmosphere of this part of the Western Netherlands.

Day two, travel to nearby locations such as Leidschendam or take a train toward other cities in the region like Gouda, Utrecht, or Rotterdam.

Day three, you can visit the Hoeve Kromwijk or spend time in Westerpark. You might also enjoy exploring the architecture and surroundings of Stadhuisplein and Dorpsstraat.