A 72-hectare site, around 200 tree species and a sculpture park show Zwijndrecht from very different perspectives. De Hooge Nesse and Arboretum Munnike Park represent different green-space themes; Noordpark combines the character of a park with a history as a sculpture park. Add the 1932 town hall and historical connections dating back to the 14th century. You can shape your stay around nature, culture or a mix of both.

Natural areas, plants and paths

De Hooge Nesse is a 72-hectare site between the Oude Maas and Lindtsedijk in Zwijndrecht. It has a play forest with natural play features, a nature reserve with walking trails and a nature education centre. Each of these three attractions has a different focus: play, walking on trails and learning about nature. Develbos is located by the old Devel Creek; its shady waters are considered particularly suitable for ducks and birds.

Arboretum Munnike Park has around 200 tree species, including oaks, chestnuts, beeches, birches, ornamental fruit trees and conifers. The herb garden is also among the park’s nature-related features. It is open to the public; herbs may be picked, but the plants should be left standing. This is a specific visitor rule that you can keep in mind when planning a walk.

For cycling, there is the Drechtsteden Route: it is 55 kilometres long and starts at Lindtsedijk in Zwijndrecht. Within the town, it passes several natural areas, including De Munnikendevel and Develbos. Walking, cycling and horse riding are also possible in Develbos. This makes it easy to distinguish between a named route and the various activities available in a single natural area.

Architecture, art and local history

Designed by Granpré Molière, Verhagen & Kok, the town hall was built in 1932 in the tradition of the Delft School of Traditionalism. The building included a service residence, a post office and a police station. KunZt Zwijndrecht organises exhibitions and cultural activities in Zwijndrecht. The exhibition space is located in the old town hall, on the side of Burgemeester de Bruïnelaan.

In 1996, Noordpark was transformed from a recreational area into a sculpture park. It is located at the busy Drierivierenpunt and offers a view of Dordrecht. This combination of transformation, location and view gives the park its own profile among Zwijndrecht’s cultural sites.

De Vergulde Swaen is another specific place to explore cultural history: the Historical Association Zwijndrecht uses the building at Rotterdamseweg 53–55 to manage its collection, set up exhibitions and organise talks. Here, art and history can be experienced not only through architecture but also through the association’s exhibitions and events.

Zwijndrecht was originally a gardening village between Dordrecht and Rotterdam. In the 17th century, its fertile soil earned it the name of the vegetable garden of Dordrecht and Rotterdam. Its protected heritage includes 13 national monuments and approximately 60 municipal monuments. The ferry also provides a historical link with Dordrecht: a ferry from Zwijndrecht began operating there in 1332; the ferry harbour was at Veerplein.

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