It is a part of the municipality of De Ronde Venen, and lies about 18 km south of Amsterdam.

In 1989 there was a reorganisation of local governments, and Vinkeveen became a part of De Ronde Venen.

It is an important recreational area, with facilities for swimming, diving and yachting.

[3] A permit is required for recreational diving in the lake.

It was first mentioned between 1395 and 1396 as Vinkenveen, and means "moorland with low quality peat".