A tidal channel, a bathing lake and a new boat ramp: the 22-hectare Salmsteke recreation area showcases Lopik’s water-rich side. Located on the Lekdijk Oost, the site offers various ways to spend time outdoors. Alongside cycling and walking paths, there is a play area with equipment, a beach volleyball court and picnic tables. Parking and seasonal toilets are also available; check the current status of the facilities before setting out.
Water, Routes and Landscape
Salmsteke is also a Toeristisch Overstappunt, or TOP for short. There you can find information about the surrounding area and cycling and walking routes; a car park is available for visitors arriving by car. For walks, the Benedeneindsepad passes through a water-rich agricultural landscape shaped by cultural history, in the border area between Lopik, Montfoort and Oudewater. The route includes a cable ferry and views over nature lakes. With a little attention, you may spot hares and waterbirds along the way. Seasonal restrictions may apply, so it is worth checking trail conditions before setting out.
The Benedeneindsepad starts at Pannenkoekenhuis Midden Op ‘t Landt in Benschop. The Jacobabrug bus stop, also in Benschop, provides a public transport connection. Lopik’s numbered walking-node network offers another way to find your bearings, guiding you from one junction to the next: orange signs with blue arrows mark the direction. There are also short and long cycling routes. Along the Lekdijk, views of the river and its floodplains are part of the landscape; other routes pass between farms and pastures.
Those who prefer to travel by water can choose between two canoe routes of different lengths: one is 14.3 kilometres long and starts at a car park near Polsbroek on Slangeweg in Vlist. The 18.2-kilometre route starts at Rosenboom Recreatie in Benschop. Canoes and electric whisper boats are rented there for exploring the polder. As this is a visitor service, it is advisable to check availability in advance. Another crossing over the Lek is the De Overkant bicycle and pedestrian ferry between Ameide and Lopik. It operates for cyclists and pedestrians from mid-April to October; check the current departure times before travelling.
Windmills, Museums and History
The Cabauwse Molen, also known as the Middelste Molen, is a polder windmill built in 1773, with an interior dating back to the 19th century. It can be visited free of charge when the blue pennant or flag is flying. The mill is accessible almost every Saturday, approximately from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; groups can visit by appointment. As visiting hours matter, check the current arrangements before you arrive.
The Omroep Zender Museum also appeals to those interested in the history of technology. It is located in the cooling cellar of the monumental 1940 Zendstation and exhibits broadcasting technology from the 1930s to more recent digital versions. The museum in Lopikerkapel can be visited by prior appointment. A visit includes an introduction and a guided tour lasting about two to three hours; arrange your appointment in advance.
At Natuurmuseum De Wielewaal, the focus is on painted landscapes and a collection of stuffed birds and animals. They illustrate the diversity and fragility of nature in the Groene Hart. A visit to the museum also includes a clog shop, a stroll through the garden and a terrace serving drinks and homemade specialities. Please check whether these offerings are available before your visit. This brings together an appreciation of nature with a short stroll and somewhere to stop for refreshments.
In Cabauw, the Inspiratietuin is next to the H. Jacobuskerk. The garden is open from sunrise to sunset; check whether visitor facilities are available before your visit. A self-service coffee corner with coffee and tea, as well as benches and picnic tables, also make it a place to take a break. In Jaarsveld, the Dijkhuis brings together landscape and the history of water management: the building served as the office of the Hoogheemraadschap Lekdijk Benedendams and as a command post for dike monitoring during high water. The Dijkhuis complex includes a visitor centre about the historic dike authority and the “Dijkhuis en Waterbeheer” exhibition; guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays. Check the current arrangements for tours before your visit.
Local Experiences in Lopik
The municipality of Lopik offers recreation between the Lek, wooden quays, orchards and pastures, in a landscape also shaped by farms and ribbon villages. At the private Buitenplaats Huis te Jaarsveld estate, cultural-historical, landscape and natural values come together. Part of the grounds is open during the day for peaceful walks along designated paths. Events, maintenance or nature management may temporarily restrict access.
Local character is also reflected in products sold directly from the farm. Farm shops and farms offer Lopik cheese, fruit and fresh farmhouse ice cream, among other things; check the offerings at individual farms before visiting. Discover more destinations: Polsbroek, Lopik, Benschop.
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