Big Spotters Hill is an artificial pyramid-shaped hill located in Vijfhuizen, in the municipality of Haarlemmermeer. Built for the 2002 Floriade horticultural exhibition, it now rises at the heart of the Groene Weelde park as an unusual, symbolic and iconic viewpoint in the region.
Galerie photos
© Raimond Spekking
History and origin
The hill was created in 2002 for the Floriade, a major international horticultural exhibition. The designers chose to build a modern pyramid, inspired by the famous Pyramid of Khufu in Egypt, to establish a unique visual landmark in the flat Dutch landscape. Big Spotters Hill was formed using soil excavated during the construction of the canals and basins for the Floriade site, repurposed to shape this spectacular artificial mound.
Description and symbolism
Standing twenty-two metres high, Big Spotters Hill functions as a true lookout point overlooking the Groene Weelde park. Its geometric silhouette immediately draws the eye and echoes the universal fascination with pyramids. Located near the Geniedijk and the N205 (Drie Merenweg), it is a recognisable landmark visible from the surroundings of Hoofddorp and Vijfhuizen. Over the years, the hill has also hosted artworks, such as Auke de Vries’ *Ruimtetempel*, installed at the summit during the Floriade. Although destroyed by a storm in 2004, it was replaced in 2014 by a new sculpture entitled *MainPoort* by Lehner Gunther, further enhancing the site’s artistic character.
A place for events and recreation
Big Spotters Hill is not only a landscape monument but also a lively space regularly used for cultural and festive events. The site hosts annual gatherings and even served as a setting for the renowned Mysteryland festival. Outside these events, the hill remains open to the public and offers panoramic views of the park and its surroundings. It is an ideal stop during a walk or bike ride through the Haarlemmermeer countryside.
Access and surroundings
The hill is located within the Groene Weelde recreational park, a large natural area managed by Recreatieschap Spaarnwoude. Easily accessible from Vijfhuizen and Hoofddorp, it borders the N205 and is connected to the region’s cycling paths. The surrounding park, composed of canals, islands and wooded zones, invites visitors to relax and explore. Big Spotters Hill fits seamlessly into a discovery route through the green landscapes near Haarlem and Amsterdam.
