The Westeinderplassen ("West End Lakes") are a complex of lakes belonging mostly to the territory of Aalsmeer, Netherlands. Their total area is about 10 square kilometres (2,500 acres)2, making it the largest freshwater body of water in the Randstad area.

Westeinderplassen
Westeinderplassen
Westeinderplassen is located in North Holland
Westeinderplassen
Westeinderplassen
LocationAalsmeer, Netherlands
Coordinates52°15′N 4°44′E / 52.250°N 4.733°E / 52.250; 4.733
Typelake
Surface area10 square kilometres (2,500 acres)
Westeinderplassen aerial view from the northwest, on takeoff from Schiphol

Geography

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Towns situated on the lakefront include Aalsmeer, Kudelstaart, Burgerveen, Leimuiden, and Rijsenhout.

The northern part in particular contains hundreds of small islands. Many of these are privately owned and can only be reached by boat.

Economy

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The northwestern part of the lakes connect directly to the Ringvaart, which sees significant commercial shipping. The bulk of the lakes, though, are used mostly for recreational boating.