Bodegraven lies on both banks of the Oude Rijn. Roman archaeological finds, the cheese tradition, and cultural offerings give the town many facets; routes on foot, by bike, and on the water offer further ways to explore it.
Roman Traces and Local History
Archaeological traces of a wooden auxiliary fort for auxiliary troops, probably built around 45–50 AD, were found in the town center. A replica of the gilded Roman cavalry helmet can also be seen in the town center. The original was found in 1937 at a sand-extraction site on the Oude Rijn. The dates refer to different events: the fort’s construction date is an estimate, while 1937 is the year the helmet was found. Away from the Roman finds, works of art in Bodegraven also recall the town’s past.
Culture and Cheese Tradition
The Evertshuis offers theater performances, concerts, films, other cultural activities, and exhibitions. It also organizes art outings and theater trips. The formats therefore range from performances and exhibitions to organized outings and trips.
The Bodegraafse Kaaskoningin tradition began in 1952 and has been included in the Dutch Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Cheese is also part of the annual Najaarsmarkt, held in September and featuring a professional cheese judging. If you want to plan your trip around this market, check the dates for the relevant year.
At Kaasboerderij De Graaf, the experience lasts an hour and a half; visitors learn about cheese production and life on a farm. Prior arrangements may be necessary for farm visits. The farm shop sells freshly made cheese and other regional products. The experience and the farm shop offer different insights: one into production and farm life, the other into the farm’s products.
Walking Tours, Cycling Route, and the Oude Rijn
Van Kaasboer tot Artiest is a five-kilometer village walking tour with a stated duration of an hour and a half. It starts and ends at the NS railway station, Stationsplein 1, 2411 CK, Bodegraven. The distance and duration provide two specific points of reference for planning a walk.
The “Rondje Bodegraven” cycling route runs from Oud Bodegraven to Bodegraven. On the water, a boat trip along the Oude Rijn passes through Bodegraven. The route is characterized by distinctive buildings on the water, churches, and cheese warehouses. Boats can be rented for trips on the Oude Rijn in Bodegraven. This means there is a named cycling route and a river trip as different options alongside the walking tour.
Garden and Animal Park
De Oude Zustertuin is a children’s playground and animal park in the heart of Bodegraven. School groups and BSO and KDV facilities can visit free of charge; advance registration is requested for planning purposes. This information applies to the groups mentioned.
At Hortus Populus, visitors can put together their own bouquet of wildflowers in the flower garden. Those interested in a hands-on gardening activity will find a different format here than a walking tour, cultural event, or boat trip.
Discover more destinations: Nieuwerbrug aan Den Rijn, Reeuwijk.
Return to the overview of the wider area: Bodegraven-Reeuwijk.
