At the Waterknoop just before Polsbroek, several waterways with different water levels run above and below one another along Slangeweg. This unusual arrangement makes water management itself a notable feature of the area.

Waterscapes and Walking Routes

An audio walk through the Lopikerwaard explores the present and past of water management. It passes a former courthouse site and characteristic reclaimed peat landscapes. In contrast to the Waterknoop, the focus shifts from the arrangement of individual waterways to the historical and landscape context of the water.

The Kerkepad Route is 14 km long and takes about four hours; 20 percent of the route is unpaved. The approximate duration provides a rough timeframe and can be included as a separate activity in your day’s plans. The unpaved section adds specific information about the trail surface to the route length. As trail conditions can change seasonally, check the current conditions before setting out.

The Klavertje van Polsbroek consisted of four walking routes measuring 8.6 km, 6.1 km, 7.7 km and 5.9 km. The shortest and longest of these routes, which were listed previously, differed by 2.7 km; at 14 km, the Kerkepad is well beyond this range.

Architectural History in Polsbroek

The farmhouse at Noordzijdseweg 183, listed in the Rijksmonumenten Register, dates from the 17th century and has a thatched hipped roof. “Hipped roof” describes the roof’s shape, while “thatched” describes its covering—the two terms refer to different features of the same building. Inside, a flood floor, authentic beam ceilings and an 18th-century fireplace have been preserved. The fireplace therefore represents a later period than the farmhouse’s construction.

The Ned. Herv. Kerk in Polsbroek has a different architectural history. Part of its tower dates from around 1300; it was heightened in the 15th century. The brick hall church was built in 1834 after the old church was demolished. The dates refer to different building phases: around 1300 applies only to part of the tower, while 1834 is the date of the church building. This clearly distinguishes the tower’s history from the construction date of the hall church. “Brick” refers to the building material; “hall church” describes the church’s hall-like architectural form. The two terms therefore refer to different features, not different construction dates.

The buildings illustrate two different ways of exploring history. In the farmhouse, architectural form and preserved interior features come together; at the Ned. Herv. Kerk, the sequence of the tower and the hall church takes centre stage. Those interested in historic architecture can thus compare a farmhouse’s fittings with the different building phases of a church.

Cheesemaking by Appointment

At Kaasboerderij Verweij, tours of the cheese dairy are available on request; arrangements must be made in advance. Confirm the date beforehand if you would like to include a tour as a fixed part of your itinerary.

Discover more destinations: Lopik, Benschop.

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