Park Hitland covers about 250 hectares and lies between Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel and Capelle aan den IJssel. The recreational area has a rural, open character. Various walking and cycling paths, including designated walking routes, offer different ways to explore the landscape. If you want to plan your stay around outdoor activities, you’ll find paths for both walking and cycling here.
Landscape and Waterways
The history of the landscape is closely linked to water. Peat extraction in the area around Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel created large lakes; as a result, the village resembled a kind of island, with water all around it. Further afield in the region, the Zuidplaspolder was drained in 1841.
The water route between the Rotte and the Hollandsche IJssel also offers a different perspective on the area; Nieuwerkerk is one of its stops. Along the route, water sports enthusiasts pass operable bridges and locks. Several of these have waiting areas for convoys. As operating details may change, check the latest information before planning your water route.
At the municipal level, Zuidplas also has infrastructure for visiting the village centers: in 2024, the municipality installed landing stages in the Ringvaart to make such visits possible, as well as several waiting and passing places at bridges.
For a cycling trip, the Hitland alternative of Route 1 gives a specific distance: it follows the Molenweteringpad and reaches the ’s-Gravenweg after 2 km. This lets you include a route with a named destination in your plans.
Historic Buildings and Mills
The wooden drawbridge at the end of Dorpsstraat in the village center dates from the 19th century and connects to the Oosterringdijk. The brickworks in Groot Hitland probably date from the first half of the 19th century. The bridge’s century is specified, while the dating of the brickworks remains a probable attribution. A drawbridge is a bridge that can be raised.
The foundation of the former Essemolen mill is visible in Park Hitland. The publicly accessible foundation was preserved as part of the construction of a cycle path and turned into a picnic area. This brings a historical trace together with the foundation’s later use.
Windlust is also part of the history of the mills: on 20 May 2005, it was put back into operation as a wind-powered grain mill for the second time in its history.
The Oudheidkamer
The Oudheidkamer’s collection today comprises more than 10,000 objects. Since 1992, the Oudheidkamer has been housed in the stable of the 17th-century “Nooit-Gedacht” farmhouse at ’s-Gravenweg 6a. Here, a precise location and the building’s history come together with an extensive collection.
Discover more destinations: Moerkapelle, Zevenhuizen.
Go to the overview of destinations in the region: Zuidplas.
