48 bells in the Petrus Tower and a carillon history dating back to 1557 give Woerden a distinctive opening. History awaits you here in the museum, along routes through the city and out in the polder landscape. This lets you combine cultural discoveries with walks, without every route offering the same experience.
Roman Routes and Walks Through Woerden
The UNESCO Limes Woerden route is 7.2 kilometres long and takes about an hour and a half on foot. It starts and ends at VVV Woerden at Emmakade 6a and leads to the site in today’s city centre where the Romans built Castellum Laurium. If you are planning a longer walk, “In the Footsteps of the Romans” is a 15.2-kilometre hiking route that takes about four hours on foot. It starts and ends at Woerden NS railway station and leads west from the centre towards the Oude Rijn through a water-rich polder landscape. The two Roman routes differ considerably in both distance and time required.
The Historical City Walk Woerden offers another perspective on the former fortified town: the five-kilometre route passes important sights and monuments. The Grecht Route also takes you through contrasting landscapes. It runs through the water-rich Brediuspark and then through open polders along the Grecht near the centre. For a shorter walk through the old town, the Leo Gestel Promenade passes reproductions of paintings, enamel works and prints.
The 15-kilometre Teylingenpad runs through peat meadowland and farmland along the Kamerikse Nessen. It starts at TOP Oortjespad in Kamerik; the route can be shortened to five kilometres. To protect nesting meadow birds during the breeding season, the Teylingenpad is closed from 1 March to 15 June. Take this seasonal restriction into account when planning your visit.
Bells, a Windmill and the City’s History
The Petrus Tower combines a long carillon history with guided visits. The climb includes 142 steps; on the intermediate floors, a guide explains Woerden’s history, the tower’s uses and the bells. Stadsmuseum Woerden covers art as well as the history of Woerden and the Groene Hart. The permanent exhibition is complemented by changing exhibitions; guided tours, lectures and workshops are also held regularly.
The museum is housed in the former town hall. Its historic features include the Vroedschapszaal, with oak panelling dating from 1610. Molen De Windhond offers another way to discover crafts and local history: traditional milling is practised in this working grain mill. It stands on a mill mound that originally formed part of a bastion in the old Woerden city defences; most of the interior has been authentically preserved.
Kasteel Woerden is a Rijksmonument in the historic centre, with a history stretching back more than 600 years. Today, the castle is used for weddings, meetings, conferences and celebrations, among other events. The former buildings on Defensie-eiland also tell the story of Woerden’s past: these include a preserved steam laundry with its chimney. At a virtual reality totem, you can use your own phone to see French soldiers moving through the city in 1672.
Cheese Traditions and Experiences on the Water
Woerden’s cheese market has a centuries-old tradition that continues to this day. As early as 1885, the first cheese deliveries were brought from the countryside to the city centre to be sold there. A market announcer explains the market’s secrets and traditions. Visitors can also tour the Kaaspakhuis: during a guided visit, you’ll learn more about cheese-making and how merchants store cheese. The tour can end with a tasting of four varieties of farmhouse cheese and a glass of wine, port or local beer to pair with them.
You can experience the Woerdense Singel from the water on a guided cruise aboard the Story Boat. A guild guide takes you past green banks, historic façades and cheese warehouses. If you prefer to be active, you can play the “Discover Woerden from the Water” city game on a SUP board; it includes challenges, photo tasks and puzzles. Details of this bookable activity may change.
Parks, Polders and Outdoor Activities
In Vijverbos, open and dense areas alternate with wet and dry ones. This variety provides a home for numerous plant and animal species. A walking trail there is about 1.5 kilometres long and is also suitable for wheelchair users; check the accessibility details before you travel. The green Landgoed Bredius is ideal for a walk and has a play meadow for children. In the picking garden, visitors can pick seasonal flowers and berries themselves.
NME-Centrum InBredius offers exhibitions about nature and landscape, walks, workshops and other events. Activities for children include building birdhouses and examining owl pellets; the programme may change. Kinderboerderij het Oortjespad has play facilities for young children, an observation tower and a paddling pool. Animals there include ponies, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs and free-roaming goats; small animals can be petted, although the animals available may vary.
There are also opportunities to get active in meadows and on the water: Boerderij De Boerinn offers a polder sports course with a variety of challenges. BatensteinBuiten has a water playground with water heated to 28°C and a 12-hole mini-golf course; facility availability may change. At Cattenbroek Beach, a swimming area is marked off by a swimming rope. This arrangement may also change.
Discover more destinations: Woerden, Harmelen, Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Soest, Veenendaal, Loenen, Vianen, Leusden.
Back to the main travel overview: Utrecht.
