Leerdam lies on the Linge and combines glass art with striking reminders of its history. The Nationaal Glasmuseum focuses on glass and decorative arts; at the Glasblazerij, you can watch glassblowers at work. The old city wall, the Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden and the Grote Kerk add historical and architectural interest. During your stay, you can choose between culture in town and walking paths through Leerdam and its green surroundings.

Glass in the Collection and in Production

At present, the Nationaal Glasmuseum is the only museum in the Netherlands specialising in glass. More than 60 percent of its collection consists of decorative arts produced by N.V. Glasfabriek Leerdam from 1878 to the present day. The composition of the collection may change. It is on permanent display in the Transparant Depot.

The Glasblazerij is also part of the Nationaal Glasmuseum. It is housed in a former timber shed on the Zuidwal in central Leerdam. Visitors can watch glassblowers at work there. The Leerdam Glass Route takes about 20 minutes on foot from the museum via the Zuidwal to the Glasblazerij. Along the way, it passes various glass-related sights and offers views of the Linge. As route conditions can change, check the route before your visit.

The History of the Town on the Linge

On the Zuidwal, the old city wall borders the Linge. The most significant surviving remains of the fortifications are located there; the old wall is a monument. The Muizentorentjes in Leerdam are still inhabited or in use, although the use of individual buildings may change. Another architectural detail can be seen on the lower tower of Molen Ter Leede: it is clad in horizontally boarded planks coated with black tar and is considered the only surviving example of its kind in the region. The Grote Kerk van Leerdam is the oldest building in the town.

The Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden stands on the site of Leerdam’s former castle. Its museum houses a collection of 17th-century Dutch Masters, including a work by Frans Hals. Loans or relocations may affect the composition of the collection. The architecture also makes its own statement: the hofje combines 18th-century Dutch solidity with French elegance and a touch of Rococo.

Walking Routes and Getting Around

For a walk through the town and its green surroundings, consider the Rondje Leerdam. The route passes the Grote Wielsloot nature area and the Recht van ter Leede nature area. Another option is the 16.7-kilometre walking route along the Linge, which passes through old towns such as Leerdam and Asperen. The routes therefore differ both in their stated distance and in whether they focus on Leerdam and its green surroundings or on several old towns.

The Glass Route is described as taking about 20 minutes to walk and connects two glass-related destinations; the walking route along the Linge is listed as 16.7 kilometres long. TOP Leerdam is a starting point for walking, cycling or boating. An information board displays a map of the recreational route network in the surrounding area; there is usually ample parking. The Lingeroute starts in Leerdam and follows the cycling node network.

Market and Getting There

A weekly market is held on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Westwal and Kerkstraat. As market hours may change, it is worth checking the current schedule before your visit. Bus services connect Leerdam with Utrecht and Gorinchem. From the train station, there are train services towards Dordrecht and Geldermalsen. Check the timetables before setting off to make sure your journey fits your preferred schedule.

Discover more destinations: Oosterwijk, Leerdam, Kedichem.

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