Hiking Trails and Scavenger Hunts
Prince Frederik of the Netherlands, son of King William I, owned no fewer than nine country estates in Voorschoten and Wassenaar between 1838 and 1881. Each of these country estates had its own character, and they were linked together by a network of connecting roads. Many of these estates and roads have been preserved. Three walking routes have been created to explore Prince Frederick’s country estates. Two exciting adventure trails have been mapped out for children.
About the hiking trails
Thefirst walking route, “,” leads through the village center to De Paauw, the residence where Prince Frederik enjoyed staying. You’ll also pass the Hertenhuis on Backershagen, which Princess Marie, Prince Frederik’s daughter, used as a playhouse. The other two routes take you past the many special spots at De Horsten, such as De Seringenberg and Jachtslot Ter Horst, where Prince Frederik enjoyed spending time with family and friends. More information and details about points of interest along the route can be found on the website “The History of South Holland.”
On an Adventure with Prince Frederik
Two adventure trails have been created especially for children: one through the Backershagen/De Paauw park and one through De Horsten. Follow the route on the map and stop at the special spots marked with numbers. On the back, you’ll find fun facts and questions about the different locations. The adventure tour is designed for children ages 7 to 11, but is suitable for all ages. It’s fun to do together with parents or grandparents, or during a children’s party. The routes can be downloaded below. Printed copies are available during business hours at Raadhuis De Paauw (Raadhuislaan 22), the Municipal Office (Johan de Wittstraat 45), the Wassenaar Library (Langstraat 40), and the tea house at De Horsten (entrance to the estate at Papeweg 36).
Information for Teachers
The adventure tour is also suitable for upper-grade elementary school students. Come learn more about local history together and walk the route. The adventure tour ties in with the “South Holland Country Estates” module of theSouth Holland Canonand with the historical period “The Age of Citizens and Steam Engines.” It ties in with the subjects of geography, history, and civics. To prepare, you can watch this video , “Life on a Country Estate,” with your class.
Do you have any questions or comments about the adventure tours? Please emailbrandts@erfgoedhuis-zh.nl.
Imprint
These adventure tours were developed by the municipalities of Wassenaar and Voorschoten in collaboration with Erfgoedhuis Zuid-Holland, thanks to financial contributions from the province of Zuid-Holland and Landschapstafel Duin, Horst en Weide. Text: Iris Brandts. Illustrations and design: Flos Vingerhoets. Published: March 2021. Printer: Druk Tan Heck, Delft. The routes follow paved paths only in part and are therefore, unfortunately, not easily accessible by wheelchair or stroller.