Oudewater lies in the green landscape of the Lopikerwaard, characterised by pollarded willows, meadows, ditches and rivers. The town brings together a protected historic centre, the history of rope-making and waterways, each offering a different side of the destination. For your trip, you can visit museums covering various historical topics, take a guided trip through the canals and along the Hollandsche IJssel, or follow a 31-kilometre cycling route devoted to the rope industry.
Historic Centre and Museums
Oudewater’s historic centre is designated as a protected townscape under Dutch heritage protection law. Museum De Heksenwaag tells the story of the witch trials of the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. This puts a different historical topic in the spotlight from the museums devoted to rope-making and architectural history.
Touwmuseum Oudewater is housed in a historic ropewalk, where ropes were made for centuries. Visitors can smell, feel and make ropes there. The Oude Touwbaan dates from 1880 and is 350 metres long; it is described as Europe’s longest covered ropewalk still in operation.
Stadsmuseum Oudewater is located in the town hall. There, visitors can see a unique medieval foundation. Its focus on an architectural feature complements the themes of the two museums dedicated to the history of witch trials and rope-making.
Guided Experiences and Rope-Making History
The tower of Sint Michaelskerk can be climbed with a guide. From the top, the view stretches across the town of Oudewater and the surrounding Groene Hart. The Grachtenvaert offers another guided perspective: the trip passes through the canals and along the Hollandsche IJssel. Along the way, the guide shares information about monumental buildings, historic sites and the town’s history.
Depending on the season, the Grachtenvaert departs on different days and at different times from the landing stage opposite the Toeristisch Informatie Punt on the Markt. Tickets can be reserved online. Check the seasonal departure information before your visit. The Touwtrein runs all year round by arrangement.
The Geelbuikenroute also explores Oudewater’s rope industry: this 31-kilometre cycling route tells the story of hemp becoming rope and passes hemp fields, the Touwfabriek and the Lange Linschoten. It offers a different way to learn about rope-making than the museums and the historic ropewalk.
Getting There and Finding Your Way Around
Oudewater has no railway station, but it can be reached by bus from Gouda, Utrecht and Woerden, among other places. The Molenwal and Tramweg stops are just a few minutes’ walk from the historic centre. Bus timetables may change, so check the connections before travelling.
Toeristisch Informatie Punt Oudewater offers cultural and leisure packages, town walks and the Grachtenvaert. It also has a wide selection of walking and cycling routes, road and water maps, and town maps. You can find materials there both for exploring on foot or by bike and for navigating waterways and roads.
Finding Hotels and Planning Your Trip
If you plan to take the Grachtenvaert, bear in mind that departure days and times vary seasonally. It is also worth checking the bus connections when planning your journey.
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