Molenplas
A picturesque park and lake near Haarlem, perfect for picnics, BBQs, and casual dining with scenic views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect for BBQs & outdoor fun
Molenplas
Best Time
Perfect for BBQs & outdoor fun
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A picturesque park and lake near Haarlem, perfect for picnics, BBQs, and casual dining with scenic views.
"Great place for a stop next to the park. Really good ice-cream deserts."
🎯 Try the Cheesecake!
Many recommend the cheesecake, especially with a lemon syrup twist.
🚲 Easy Bike Access
Great spot for a bike ride from Haarlem, with good ice cream.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 1,615 reviews
Type
Restaurant
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Molenplas Lake
The central lake area
A picturesque lake perfect for strolls, picnics, and enjoying the Dutch scenery.
Park & Playground
Adjacent to the lake
Spacious green areas ideal for relaxation, BBQs, and family fun.
Local Eateries
Around the park
Enjoy Dutch snacks like bitterballen or try their recommended cheesecake.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors
Dining Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Try the Cheesecake!
Many recommend the cheesecake, especially with a lemon syrup twist.
🚲 Easy Bike Access
Great spot for a bike ride from Haarlem, with good ice cream.
👨👩👧👦 Playground Nearby
Families love the adjacent playground for kids.
🚤 Boat Stop Option
Convenient stop for boaters needing facilities or a drink.
Leuke plek eerste date.
Ik (40)heb deze week een date met een leuke dame. Het plan is om eerst even wat te drinken en als het klikt ergens eten. Ik ben niet super bekend in haarlem. Hebben jullie tips ?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Try the Cheesecake!
Many recommend the cheesecake, especially with a lemon syrup twist.
🚲 Easy Bike Access
Great spot for a bike ride from Haarlem, with good ice cream.
👨👩👧👦 Playground Nearby
Families love the adjacent playground for kids.
🚤 Boat Stop Option
Convenient stop for boaters needing facilities or a drink.
🏕️ Camping Weekends
Check for annual camping events; they start early!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Molenplas is a scenic park and lake offering a pleasant atmosphere for casual dining and outdoor activities. While some find the food and service just 'okay,' others highly praise specific dishes like the cheesecake and enjoy the relaxed vibe. It's a popular spot for picnics, BBQs, and family outings, with good facilities and easy accessibility.
"Had dinner here. Food was just OK. Ordered chicken salads, but they forgot to put the chicken, but they corrected it anyway. Taste was just OK. Waiters not that friendly."
My Tasty FoodSteps
"Okay restaurant. Lunch was okay,
Usually we pop in for a toilet break and a drink when we take the boat around Haarlem.
Good facilities, a playground nearby en plenty of indoor and outdoor seating."
Bob van Velzen
"I had cheese cake and coffee macchiato and chicken sandwich.
I guess the cheesecake had a layer of lemon syrup on it and it had a taste of sweet and sour, I really liked it. Highly recommend it.
The chicken sandwich was also good, the bread was nice and the chicken was tasty.
The staff were very friendly and polite. The atmosphere and the view were pleasant."
Bahare
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Molenplas is easily accessible by bike from central Haarlem, making it a popular cycling destination. You can also reach it by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options might require a short walk from the nearest bus stop.
Yes, Molenplas is considered a lovely spot for a first date. You can enjoy a walk around the lake and park, followed by drinks or dinner at the local restaurant.
While specific leash laws can vary, Molenplas is generally a dog-friendly park. It's always best to keep your dog under control and clean up after them.
Absolutely! Molenplas offers plenty of green space perfect for picnics. Many visitors enjoy bringing their own food and enjoying the scenic views.
There are parking facilities available near Molenplas, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. It's advisable to check for any parking fees or time restrictions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Molenplas is a public park and lake, so there is generally no entrance fee to access the grounds.
As a public park, Molenplas is typically open from dawn till dusk. The restaurant and facilities may have specific operating hours, which are best checked directly.
For casual visits like lunch or drinks, booking might not be necessary, especially on weekdays. However, for larger groups or Sunday lunch, it's recommended to make a reservation.
Molenplas hosts annual events like neighborhood camping weekends, which are officially opened by the mayor. It's worth checking local listings for any upcoming festivals or gatherings.
Yes, Molenplas is a popular spot for BBQs, especially during the summer. Visitors often bring their own equipment and enjoy grilling in designated areas.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, cycling, picnicking, and relaxing by the lake. There's also a playground for children and opportunities for BBQs.
Yes, there is a playground located near the lake, making it a great spot for families with young children.
Molenplas offers good facilities, including restrooms, and ample indoor and outdoor seating at the restaurant.
The scenic lake, park, and surrounding nature make Molenplas a pleasant location for photography, especially during golden hour.
Swimming in Molenplas is generally not recommended due to water quality and safety concerns. It's primarily a recreational lake for boating and enjoying the views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The restaurant offers a menu with options like chicken sandwiches, salads, and desserts. They are also known for Dutch snacks like bitterballen.
Many visitors highly recommend the cheesecake, describing it as having a unique sweet and sour lemon flavor.
Prices are generally considered reasonable for a casual dining experience. Lunch items and desserts are typically in the mid-range.
The menu might have limited dedicated vegetarian or vegan options, but salads and sides could be adapted. It's best to inquire with the staff about current offerings.
Yes, Molenplas is noted for serving really good ice cream desserts, making it a popular stop.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit