Alblasserdam lies between the Noord and Lek rivers and alongside the A15 motorway. Two distinctive themes offer an introduction to the town’s history: the architecture of the Huis van Zessen and water management at Molen Souburgh. These are complemented by the landscape history of Lammetjeswiel and a centuries-old market tradition.
Architecture and traces of local history
The Huis van Zessen was designed according to the principles of the Dutch art movement De Stijl. It has been open to the public since autumn 2013. The house features an exhibition about Cornelis van Eesteren and furniture designed by him. Here, you can encounter both the design ideas of De Stijl and the architect’s work. The Oude Toren is a surviving remnant of a 15th-century cruciform church.
Hof Souburgh also tells the story of different eras. The estate lies beside a secluded bend in the Alblas stream and was once a castle; it received its name around 1280. The present-day manor house was built in 1857 on the instructions of Mr Von Lindern, the father of Cornelis Von Lindern, founder of the cable factory. This example brings local history, family history and the development of the estate together.
Water management and recreational landscapes
Molen Souburgh was built in 1860 to drain the polder of the same name. A polder mill has stood on the site since 1542. The windmill is open to visitors when the front gate is open and the mill is turning. A visit therefore depends on a specific condition: look for the open gate and the mill in operation.
Lammetjeswiel connects natural history with a modern recreational area. The lake was formed in 1373 when a dike on the Noord river breached. Its facilities include a beach, a sunbathing lawn, toilets and children’s play equipment. Another example of a water-shaped landscape is the Sophiapolder, a freshwater tidal area created as compensation for the Betuweroute.
Exploring by bike or on foot
TOP Alblasserdam is a starting point where you can leave your car and set off on cycling and walking routes through the countryside. The cycling tour “Fietsroute van Groot-Ammers naar Kinderdijk” and the “Fietsroute langs de Sophiapolder” both start near junction 01. The Alblasserdam Kade Waterbus stop is another starting point, from which you can cycle directly to the Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check the route details before setting off.
For a walk, the “Wandeling Alblasserdam” is another option: it is about 4.5 km long and starts at the Jan Smitkade Waterbus stop. The route is described as a walk connected with vanished industrial heritage. You can reserve bicycles, kayaks and SUPs in advance at Tourist Info Alblasserdam.
Traditions and the events calendar
The Sint Jacobus Horse Market is a centuries-old tradition, held every year on the Wednesday of the week of 25 July. It includes market stalls selling traditional sweets, flowers, vegetables and fruit, as well as equestrian and horse-riding activities. There is also an evening music programme. If you want to plan your trip around the market, check the specific event date.
Following the success of its first edition in 1991, the activities of the Havenfestival subsequently centred around the harbour. In past years, the festival offered a week-long programme with a Saturday street market and performances by well-known choirs from the surrounding area. If you are planning a trip around the festival, it is worth checking the event dates for the relevant year.
Kinderdijk in the wider region
In the wider region around Alblasserdam, the Kinderdijk windmills remain part of a functioning water management system with modern pumping stations. Visitors can tour the windmills and ask the millers on site questions. Routes around Kinderdijk offer cycling trips along dikes and polders, as well as walks by the water through the Alblasserwaard. This lets you explore the historic windmill landscape in the context of modern water management.
Discover more destinations: Westland, Noordwijk, Westvoorne, Vlist, Zuidplas, Barendrecht, Lisse, Zoetermeer.
Go to the main travel overview: South Holland.
