A 41-metre-high water tower, medieval pottery shards and routes along rivers reveal different sides of Zwijndrecht. Cultural history, green spaces and outdoor activities offer different ways to shape your stay.
Cultural history: water, archaeology and architecture
The Zwijndrecht water tower was designed in 1897 by F. A. de Jongh on behalf of the municipality. Its architectural and cultural-historical value also lies in its connection to the development of drinking water supply in the Netherlands, where water was sourced from rivers. De Vergulde Swaen is the local history centre of the Historische Vereniging Zwijndrecht and is located at Rotterdamseweg 53–55. A display case features items from archaeological excavations. Pottery shards from the 14th century found at De Vergulde Swaen show that the site was already inhabited in the Middle Ages; the selection of finds on display may change.
The history of architecture can also be seen in several buildings. The old town hall was built in 1932 in the Traditionalist tradition of the Delft School. It houses the KunZt Zwijndrecht exhibition space, whose entrance is on Burgemeester de BruĂŻnelaan. KunZt organises exhibitions and cultural activities. Its programme includes exhibitions by professional artists, group exhibitions by amateur artists, and presentations by and for local residents. As the programme and access arrangements may change, check the latest information if you are planning to visit an exhibition.
The Oude Kerk is Late Gothic and has a wooden bell turret dating from the mid-19th century. Its furnishings include a pulpit with a railing from the 17th century and a text board from 1634. The Lindtse Kerk has been a Dutch national heritage site (Rijksmonument) since 2000. It was built on the site of the church building that burned down in 1912 and is considered a characteristic example of Neo-Romanesque architecture. The Stichting Behoud Kijfhoekkerk holds public visiting days on the first Saturdays of the summer months; check the specific dates if you are interested.
Parks, trees and river views
Develbos lies along the old Devel stream. It offers opportunities for walking, cycling and horse riding, as well as birdwatching. Species mentioned include marsh harriers, reed-dwelling birds, long-tailed tits and robins, as well as duck species such as tufted ducks, shovelers and shelducks. Sightings may vary by season.
Around 200 tree species grow in Arboretum Munnike Park, including oaks, chestnuts, beeches, birches, ornamental fruit trees and conifers. The park was established in 1989 at the initiative of members of the Vereniging Arboretum Munnike Park, which has managed it ever since. Herbs may be picked in the herb garden, but the plants should be left in the ground. De Hooge Nesse is a 72-hectare area between the Oude Maas and the Lindtsedijk in Zwijndrecht. Visitor facilities include a nature play forest, walking trails and a nature education centre.
Develpark is situated on an island in the Devel and was designed in 1962. Its original design by Hans Warnau and Jasper Meijers is an example of the austere modernist post-war reconstruction style. Noordpark lies on the busy Drierivierenpunt and offers views of Dordrecht. It may be the oldest park in Zwijndrecht.
Routes by distance and mode of transport
For a walk, the 11-kilometre Devel Route is one option. It starts at the Develbos car park and runs parallel to the Oude Maas and the older Devel river along some sections. When comparing longer cycling routes, you can start by looking at their distances: the Drechtsteden Route is 55 kilometres long, starts at Lindtsedijk in Zwijndrecht and passes De Munnikendevel and Develbos. The 58.3-kilometre Zwijndrecht–Biesbosch Route starts at Veerweg 10 and follows a waterside route through natural and river landscapes. Check the latest ferry and route information before setting off on this cycling route.
Beeldenpark Drechtoevers opened in 1996 as an initiative of the Nederlandse Kring van Beeldhouwers. The route runs along the Oude Maas, the Beneden Merwede and the Noord. In Zwijndrecht, it goes from the water bus stop via Veerplein, Maaspad and Noordpark. As water bus services may change, check the connection if you plan to include this section of the route.
Choose accommodation to suit your travel interests
If you are looking for a holiday rental in Zwijndrecht, your planned focus can help you structure your outings: cultural history encompasses churches, the town hall and local historical finds; for nature and outdoor activities, consider the parks, trails and cycling routes described here.
Discover more destinations: Zwijndrecht.
Back to the main travel overview: Zwijndrecht.
