A 16-kilometre waterway leads to the Zuidpolder in Barendrecht: the Blauwe Verbinding makes a striking feature of the landscape, linking the polders with leisure activities on the water. Canoes, small rowing boats and whisper boats are well suited to this waterway; swimming and sport fishing are also possible activities there. Along the route, there are canoe jetties and signposted transfer points. As well as the paths through the town, this offers another way to experience Barendrecht.
Waterways and paths through the polder
At De Kleine Duiker, visitors can rent a canoe to explore the polder from the water. The site is also a starting point for walks through the Zuidpolder. This offers two different ways to discover the landscape: by canoe on the water or on foot along a walking route.
A regional market is held at the De Kleine Duiker farm once a month from April to September. As the schedule is seasonal, it is best to check in advance when the market will take place during your visit.
The routes also offer different ways to explore the surroundings. The Vrijheidsroute walking route is 3 kilometres long and runs through the old village centre and its surroundings; the cycling route is 22 kilometres long. The Vrijheidsroute also includes 17 historic sites relating to events of the Second World War and the liberation. These different distances give you a practical guide when choosing between a shorter walk and a longer cycle ride.
The Rolf Route is a cycling and walking route along the village centre of Barendrecht. It starts and ends at Barendrecht railway station. Signs with text and images provide information about the town’s history along the route. The Vossenpad passes through the Carnisse Grienden and historic polders enclosed by dikes; its main route is 10 kilometres long. The routes thus highlight both local history and a landscape shaped by dikes.
The Oude Maas recreation area is a great place for walking. When planning your visit, bear in mind that the nearest car parks there can fill up quickly at peak times.
Monuments and traces of history
Several buildings in Barendrecht are designated Rijksmonumenten, or national monuments. These include the Hervormde Kerk, the water tower in the old village and the Westerhoeve farmhouse on Voordijk. The monuments each have a distinct character: the church, water tower and farmhouse represent different building styles and locations within the municipality.
Archaeological traces also form part of the area’s history. The archaeological monument at Gaatkensplas contains settlement remains from the Middle Neolithic. At several locations on Noldijk, remains of a brick wall dating from around 1450 can be found. These traces reach far back in time and complement the history reflected in the designated architectural monuments.
The D’Ouwe School Museum has a permanent exhibition on the history of Barendrecht and everyday life in the past. The museum offers guided tours for school groups. Those interested in the town’s past can therefore explore local history and everyday life alongside historic buildings and archaeological traces.
Which discovery suits your visit?
For an active outing, compare the different route lengths and ways of getting around: the 3-kilometre Vrijheidsroute walking route, its 22-kilometre cycling route, or the Vossenpad’s 10-kilometre main route. The Rolf Route also has signs about local history and starts and ends at the railway station. For an outing on the water, the Blauwe Verbinding and canoe rental at De Kleine Duiker offer a different focus. The historic sites along the Vrijheidsroute, the monuments and the permanent exhibition at D’Ouwe School each offer their own highlights for anyone who wants to discover Barendrecht through its history.
Discover more destinations: Barendrecht, Barendrecht, Brielle, Westvoorne, Ouderkerk, Lansingerland, Kaag En Braassem, Spijkenisse.
For the main travel overview: South Holland.
