Simonshaven is located by the Bernisse nature and recreation area. The De Bernisse recreation area is seven kilometres long and covers 300 hectares, including lakes, ponds, woodland, wet natural areas and pastureland.
Walking, polders and the beach
The “Biertpad” walking trail offers a specific route through the area: it starts and ends at Schuddebeursedijk in Simonshaven, is 12.4 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes on foot. Along the way, the route passes through the centuries-old Biert polder. Grass embankments and the remains of tidal creeks are reminders of water management and land reclamation. The landscape itself is therefore part of the trail’s theme: its features reflect how people have managed water and reclaimed land.
An important seasonal restriction to bear in mind when planning is that the section of the Biertpad through the Biert polder is inaccessible during the breeding season, because the polder serves as a bird sanctuary. Check the local route information before setting out.
At the Bernisse Simonshaven beach area on the Stompaardseplas, there are two sandy beaches with an adjoining sunbathing lawn. The smaller southern beach is intended for young children and is marked off by a swimming line. This particular feature may be relevant when choosing which part of the beach to visit.
Church and harbour tell the story of the town
The Witte Kerkje is a so-called Waterstaatskerk, a church built under the supervision of the Dutch Department of Public Works. It stands on the foundations of the former church, which burned down, and was formally inaugurated in 1854. Simonshaven’s former harbour is also part of the town’s history: it developed as a natural harbour on the Bernisse after the ring dike was built in 1305. The historical points of interest thus range from the church building to the former harbour landscape.
Children in Year 6 or above can visit the Witte Kerkje by appointment. They learn more about the church, the cemetery, the history of Simonshaven and what takes place in the church. The 3D experience point “Bernisse Toen en Nu – Simonshaven” is also located on Am Ring, near house number 42. Visitors can use a QR code to experience Simonshaven as it was around the year 1400. The 3D experience point thus offers a glimpse of a much earlier period in the town’s history than the Witte Kerkje’s inauguration in 1854.
Walk or cycle?
The “Historische Haventjes Nissewaard” cycling route is 40 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 52 minutes. One of its stops is a jetty at Simonshaven’s former harbour. This means you can choose between a walk through the Biert polder and a longer cycle ride linked to the harbour’s history. The stated journey times are similar, but the distances differ considerably. So when planning your day, consider not only the duration but also whether you would rather travel on foot or by bike.
Discover more destinations: Heenvliet, Oudenhoorn, Abbenbroek, Zuidland
For the higher-level travel overview: Bernisse.
