Meerkerk combines a distinctive landmark with a water-rich setting. The water tower is a well-known landmark in the town, and Meerkerk is situated on the Merwede Canal. The surrounding landscape is shaped by meadows, embankments and, above all, abundant water. This gives the trip two distinct focuses: architectural history and nature.
Water Tower and Local History
Meerkerk’s water tower was built in 1935–1936 on behalf of Drinkwaterleining De Alblasserwaard en De Vijfheerenlanden. It is 59.72 metres tall and features a style typical of the interwar period, related to Functionalism and Nieuwe Bouwen. The tower is of cultural-historical, architectural-historical and urban-planning significance. As a prominent landmark, it is also important to Meerkerk’s townscape. Its construction period, height and stylistic features offer different perspectives on the same landmark.
The Hervormde Kerk is also part of Meerkerk’s architectural history: it dates back to an original late-medieval building. The war memorial is an upright, open granite oval bearing the names of 21 victims of war. It commemorates residents of Meerkerk who lost their lives during the Second World War and in the former Dutch East Indies. The memorial was unveiled on 4 May 2011.
Waterways and the Dotterbloem Route
The Merwede Canal is the central thread of the Dotterbloem Route and a popular shipping route for both commercial and recreational vessels. The main section of the route is 7 km long. The car park at Raadhuisplein in Meerkerk is listed as the starting point for the Dotterbloem Route; free parking is available there.
The loop of the Dotterbloem Route requires crossing the Oude Zederik in a small rowing boat. The grassy paths through Quakernaak and De Zouweboezem are not suitable for wheelchairs. The loop of the Dotterbloem Route through De Zouweboezem is closed from 15 March through 15 July. When planning the route, these conditions are important distinctions from the main section’s stated length alone.
De Zouweboezem Nearby
The Oude Zederik is a canal that runs from Meerkerk to Ameide and passes through the nearby De Zouweboezem nature reserve. De Zouweboezem was excavated in the 14th century to receive excess polder water. A boardwalk runs through the reed beds, and there are also several viewing points. The extensive marshy reed beds of nearby De Zouweboezem are home to the Netherlands’ largest breeding colony of purple herons.
Farming and Ice Cream
In Meerkerk, Melkveehouderij V.O.F. Kloek-Blom offers educational activities on the farm. As programme details may change, check the latest information before visiting. IJsboerderij Middelbroeck invites you to stop for an ice cream and makes ice cream using traditional methods. It uses milk from cows that graze outdoors as much as possible.
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Return to the main travel overview: Zederik.
