Develpark is a park on an island in the Devel, designed in 1962 as an example of strictly modernist post-war planning. Landscape and designed surroundings are also central at other locations: Develbos lies along the former Devel stream and offers opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding. Around 200 tree species grow in the Munnike Park Arboretum; De Hooge Nesse is a 72-hectare area between the Oude Maas and Lindtsedijk in Zwijndrecht.
On the riverbank at the Drierivierenpunt, Noordpark offers views of Dordrecht. In 1996, it was converted into a sculpture park. Waalbos, meanwhile, is an open area along the former course of the Waal river. The landscape takes many forms: from the island in the Devel and a wealth of tree species to riverbanks and the open area along the former river course.
Cycling and walking routes with their own landmarks
Several cycling routes can be distinguished by their length, starting points and listed stops. The 55-kilometre Drechtsteden Cycling Route starts at Lindtsedijk and passes the De Munnikendevel and Develbos nature areas in Zwijndrecht. The Zwijndrecht–Barendrecht route passes Noordpark, the Oude Maas and Veerplein in Zwijndrecht, then continues along Lindtsedijk to the De Hooge Nesse recreation area. The Zwijndrecht–Biesbosch route starts at Veerweg 10.
The Waalpad has its own focus: this nature education cycle path runs between the village of Heerjansdam and the local swimming pool. For a walk, the Kidsbeweegroute Hooge Nesse is another option; the route combines interesting facts with movement activities. Check the route details before setting out so you can plan using the relevant information.
Discover the park, animals and culture
Sportcomplex De Hoge Devel is located in Develpark. It offers recreational swimming, lane swimming and swimming lessons. As construction work is underway at the swimming pool, check which facilities are currently available before your visit. Also in Develpark is Parkboerderij De Kiboe-hoeve, next to the swimming pool and the Devel waterway. Visitors can see, touch and learn about various animal species there. There is a playground with a range of play equipment for young children; the animals and facilities may change.
Public art can also be explored along a numbered sculpture route: in the Zwijndrecht area, it runs from the Waterbus stop via Veerplein and Maaspad to Noordpark. KunZt is an exhibition space in the Old Town Hall of the municipality of Zwijndrecht, offering exhibitions, workshops, inspiration and opportunities to meet. The exhibition programme may change. The Zwijndrecht Historical Society uses De Vergulde Swaen to manage its collection, set up exhibitions and organise talks; its programmes may also change.
Among the buildings with clear historical details is the Zwijndrecht Water Tower: built in 1897, it is 41 metres tall and is an eclectic brick structure with an iron reservoir of 220 mÂł. Korenmolen Landzicht dates from 1868 and was used to grind grain for almost a century. The De Kersenboom windmill is located in Waalbos on the Waal river.
Riverbanks and tidal landscapes
The Zwijndrecht Veerplein Waterbus stop is located on an attractive stretch of riverbank. It is served by line 22; bicycles can be taken on board free of charge. Timetables and rules for taking bicycles may change, so it is advisable to check the operator's latest information before travelling.
Near Zwijndrecht, the 77-hectare Sophiapolder tidal nature island lies in the Noord near Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht. Visitors can walk through the tidal landscape on boardwalks and paths; conditions may vary with the weather and water level. The free passenger ferry connects the mainland with the island and back. It operates seasonally, run by volunteer skippers, and is often used by birdwatchers. Check ferry and access information before travelling.
Alternatively, visitors can take bus line 88 to the Laan van Walburg stop and then walk a little over ten minutes to Sophiapolder. Public transport may change, so it is worth checking the connection in advance. The 24.31-kilometre Sophiapolder cycling route passes a freshwater tidal area. The Sophiapolder walking route is 12 kilometres long, starts at Veerplein and follows the banks of the Oude Maas and Noord.
Discover more destinations: Zwijndrecht, Zwijndrecht, Rijswijk, Leiden, Hillegom, Oegstgeest, Hardinxveld-Giessendam, Gouda.
To the regional travel overview: South Holland.
