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 estates had its own character, which was unified by the construction of connecting roads. Many of these estates and roads have been preserved. To explore Prince Frederik's own country estate, three walking routes have been created. For children, two exciting adventure tours have been plotted.
About the hiking trails
The first walking route leads through the village center to De Paauw, the residence where Prince Frederik liked to stay. You will also pass the Deer House on Backershagen, which was used as a playhouse by Princess Marie, Prince Frederik's daughter. The other two routes lead past the many special places on De Horsten, such as De Seringenberg and Jachtslot Ter Horst , where Prince Frederik liked to spend time with family and friends. More information and details along the route can be found on the website The History of South Holland.
On an adventure with Prince Frederick
Two adventure tours have been created especially for children, one about the park of Backershagen/De Paauw and one about De Horsten. Follow the route on the Map and stop at the special places marked with numbers. On the back you will find facts and questions about the different locations. The adventure tour is made for children aged 7 to 11, but suitable for all ages. Fun to do together with (grand)parents or during a children's party. The routes can be downloaded below. Printed copies are available during opening hours at the Council House De Paauw (Raadhuislaan 22), Municipal Office (Johan de Wittstraat 45), the library of Wassenaar (Langstraat 40) and the teahouse at De Horsten (entrance estate Papeweg 36).
Information for teachers
The adventure trail is also useful for upper elementary school students. Learn more about local history together and walk the route. The adventure trail connects to the canon subject 'South Holland country houses' of the South Holland canon and to the period 'Time of Citizens and Steam engines'. It connects to the subjects geography, history and citizenship. In preparation you can watch with the class this video The Life in a country house.
Do you have questions or comments about the adventure tours? Please email brandts@erfgoedhuis-zh.nl.
Colophon
These adventure tours were developed by the municipalities of Wassenaar and Voorschoten i.c.w. Erfgoedhuis Zuid-Holland thanks to financial contributions from the province of South Holland and Landschapstafel Duin, Horst en Weide. Text: Iris Brandts. Illustrations and design: Flos Vingerhoets. Edition: March 2021. Printer: Tan Heck Printing, Delft. The routes are only partly on paved paths and are therefore unfortunately poorly accessible by wheelchair or baby carriage.