Discover Drimmelen by water and on foot. One tour combines both; boat and canoe activities also take you into the Biesbosch. Historic traces can be found along the Herengracht village street, at the Protestant Church and on the grounds of the Oude Begraafplaats in Oud Drimmelen. This makes it easy to tailor your stay to different interests: time on the water, walks through the landscape or local history.

Explore the Biesbosch by boat, canoe and on foot

The Biesbosch is a freshwater tidal area. For 600 years, the tides have shaped its landscape of water, reed beds and creeks. From Drimmelen, you can explore the Biesbosch by boat or canoe. Beavers live in the Brabantse Biesbosch, which can be reached from Drimmelen, and the area is popular with many bird species.

The “Zwerftocht door de Biesbosch” starts in Drimmelen and combines a boat trip with a walk. The walking section is about three kilometres long. This makes the tour different from a boat trip alone: the boat ride and walk are part of one experience.

There are also various boat rental options for independent trips. Biesbosch Sloepenverhuur lets you head straight into the Biesbosch by boat from its mooring. De Biesbosch In rents out sloops and fishing boats from its own harbour in Drimmelen. No boating licence or prior experience is required to rent from this provider. On arrival, visitors receive detailed instructions about the boat and the Biesbosch boating area, as well as a free waterway map, tips and route suggestions. As rental conditions and visitor services may change, check the provider’s latest information before planning your trip.

Another way to discover the Biesbosch is on the boat tours run by Stichting Vrienden van de Biesbosch aboard the historic, 125-year-old reed barge “de Drie Gezusters”. The boat can carry a maximum of twelve passengers; a skipper and a guide accompany the trip past historic highlights of the Biesbosch. The foundation also preserves the culture and history of the Biesbosch’s willow workers and reed cutters.

Trails and landscapes around Drimmelen

The “Mooie molens in de Prinsenpolder” route leads from Drimmelen through the Prinsenpolder to the Moerdijk Bridge. From there, you can enjoy a panorama of the water and the Biesbosch. The route combines a drive through the polder with views across the waterscape.

Gat van de Ham is a remnant of an old creek system south of the Amer River. The nature area is suitable for fishing; visitors can also go for a walk or cycle there. Here, the focus is on activities on land, while boat and canoe trips explore the Biesbosch waterways.

Historic traces in the village

The Herengracht preserves the former lock channel and is lined with distinctive houses. Drimmelen Protestant Church, the village church and home of the local Protestant congregation, is on this street. Its foundation stone was laid in 1792 by Maria van Doorn, the daughter of the schout.

Another chapter in the village’s history can be found on the grounds of the Oude Begraafplaats in Oud Drimmelen. A medieval church once stood there; it was demolished in 1793. The pond on the grounds provides a habitat for various amphibians and insects. The church and pond point to different aspects of the place: its former buildings and the nature at this historic site.

Planning your visit

VVV BiesboschDrimmelen offers visitor information at its office at Marinaweg 21, 4924 BB Drimmelen. As office arrangements may change, check the latest information before your visit.

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