Capelle aan den IJssel can be explored from two distinct perspectives: historic traces in the townscape and natural areas with their own trails and activities. When choosing how to spend your stay, you can weigh up architectural and local history, outdoor exercise, and excursions through a historic polder landscape.

Church, Townscape, and Historic Buildings

The history of the Capelse Dorpskerk is marked by a major turning point: on May 30, 1574, the church burned down completely. A new, elongated church was built on the same site in 1593. The protected townscape of Oude Plaats can be understood through a different feature: its L-shaped layout has two sides of about 80 metres each, with the Hollandsche IJssel forming its southern boundary. The approximate dimensions and its position by the river give this townscape a clearly defined spatial outline.

The listed Van Cappellenhuis stands on Dorpsstraat. Johannes Nolen and Anna Maria van Cappellen founded it around 1896 as a home for older men and women. The building can therefore be viewed both for its present significance as a listed building and for its original purpose and approximate date of construction. The outlines of the medieval castles of Capelle and the later Slot van Capelle are also visible on Sloteiland. These traces point to different building phases, without equating the medieval castle with the later Slot.

Nature and Activities in Schollebos

In the Schollebos nature area, the Natuurpad provides information about the natural features visible there. The trail combines exercise with opportunities to stop and observe along the way. For a different kind of activity, there is a challenging bike-cross track for children. This offers a distinct, active focus alongside the nature trail. Natuurparels adds another option: a geocaching route in Capelle aan den IJssel. Geocaching and nature observation each provide a different focus for spending time outdoors.

There are also designated picking zones in Schollebos. Visitors may sample apples, pears, and berries there, and pick some fruit for their own consumption. This is a limited opportunity to snack and pick fruit, not an indication that foraging is permitted throughout the entire nature area. Check the current rules before picking.

Routes with Different Focuses

The Capelse Monumenten Route “Klein maar fijn” is suitable for walking and cycling and is wheelchair accessible. Its 12.1 kilometres can be covered in sections, so you can also explore the route in shorter stretches. The starting point is at Capelle Centrum metro station, next to the De Koperwiek shopping centre and opposite the town hall. There is ample parking available there. If you are planning to follow the route, check the latest information about the route and parking before you set off.

The “Hitland – historisch polderlandschap” route has a different focus: it runs along the Hollandsche IJssel through a historic polder landscape between the built-up areas of Capelle aan den IJssel and Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel. Some sections follow paved cycle paths; there is also an optional footpath to the riverbank. The route therefore offers sections for a cycling trip as well as the option to walk down to the riverbank.

Park Hitland as Another Option

Park Hitland lies near the destination, between Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel and Capelle aan den IJssel. Activities available there include walking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, horse riding, skating, and golf. Its wide choice of activities sets Hitland apart from the more specifically described trails: the Natuurpad provides information about natural features, while the Monumenten Route focuses on architectural and local history. Depending on whether you prefer to follow a designated route or choose between different activities, these places offer different ways to shape your stay.

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