In Barendrecht, a vast recreational area, various routes and historic buildings come together. The Zuidpolder is approximately 170 hectares in size; 110 hectares of this have been developed into a diverse nature and recreational area. The development is carried out in phases. Whether you prefer to spend your stay surrounded by greenery or exploring culture and history, you will find various themes here without having to combine them into a single route.

Zuidpolder: Discover nature, on foot or on the water

Winding boardwalks lead over the water through the recreational area and offer opportunities to explore nature. The Zuidpolder also has a birdwatching point. De Kleine Duiker is a starting point for walks through the area. You can also rent a canoe there to explore the Zuidpolder’s waterways; check the booking arrangements in advance. BarendBos is there for children. These options offer different experiences: walks and birdwatching draw attention to the landscape, while a canoe trip puts the waterways in the spotlight.

The Blauwe Verbinding also offers a way to experience the landscape: this 16-kilometre-long connection runs from Zuiderpark in Rotterdam via the future Buijtenland van Rhoon landscape park to the Zuidpolder in Barendrecht. In the wider region, there are canoe jetties and signposted transfer points along the route. Begraafplaats Den Ouden Dijck shows another side of the landscape: it has the character of a country estate. Features of the surrounding polder and compartmented landscape can be seen there; a stream runs through the cemetery and divides it.

Routes at different scales

The Vrijheidsroute combines history with activity. It includes 17 historic stops marked with tiles and QR codes. The walking section in and around the old village centre is 3 kilometres long; the cycling route is 22 kilometres long and runs through the whole of Barendrecht. This means a shorter walking route in the village-centre area and a longer cycling route through the town are available as different options. The municipal route information is dated 24 April 2025. Before setting out, check the signage and that the route is continuous.

Another option is the Rolf Route Barendrecht, a cycling and walking route that starts and ends at Barendrecht railway station. It runs along the village centre, past dikes with historic buildings, as well as through the Oude Maas recreational area and along the Barendrechtse Waal. The routes described therefore differ not only in length: the Vrijheidsroute focuses on historic stops, while the Rolf Route connects different landscapes and local sights. Which one is better suited to your stay depends on whether you want to explore specific stops or experience different landscapes along the way.

Building history and traces of the past

The Watertoren is one of Barendrecht’s national monuments. Its distinctive design combines stylistic elements with concrete and brick; these features contribute to its architectural and historical value. The Westerhoeve is also a national monument: the farmhouse is located on the Voordijk and dates from the first half of the 19th century. Architecturally, it is classified as the Flemish middle longitudinal-hall type. D’Ouwe School is a municipal monument within Barendrecht’s protected village area.

Under the Gaatkensplas, an archaeological national monument site from the Neolithic period is preserved as an underwater site. The site includes traces of settlement that are more than 6,000 years old; it is considered unique in this area. The Zuidpolder and the historic buildings thus tell of different layers of time: from a prehistoric settlement to farmhouse and village architecture, and on to today’s recreational landscape.

Planning your visit

The Museum Historisch Barendrecht is open to schools and groups on weekdays by appointment. If you are planning a visit, arrange the date in advance. The Kerktuin behind the Dorpskerk in Barendrecht is open on Saturday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm. These fixed opening times can help with your daily planning, while walks, routes and visits to monuments can be given different emphasis depending on your interests.

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