Woerden’s history can be explored through a wide variety of places: from a Roman fort in today’s city centre to a windmill on a preserved section of the old city wall. There is also the city museum, a cheese warehouse that visitors can tour, and activities in the surrounding countryside. Which stops you plan depends in part on whether you are more interested in history, cheesemaking or outdoor activities.
Roman Traces and Woerden’s History
Around the year 40, the Romans built the Laurium fort in what is now the city centre. At its height, it was home to up to 500 soldiers. The permanent exhibition at Stadsmuseum Woerden explores the art and cultural history of Woerden and the Groene Hart. The museum also presents temporary exhibitions and offers guided tours, lectures and workshops.
The Woerden 7 ship is another of the city’s archaeological artefacts: its stern is on display in the Castellum parking garage opposite the Petruskerk. A carillon with 48 bells at the Petrustoren rings every quarter of an hour. On guided climbs, you tackle 142 steps in several stages; at the intermediate landings, the guide explains the history of Woerden and the tower.
Kasteel Woerden is another historic landmark. Construction is thought to have begun in 1410, and the first recorded mention dates from 1415. This more than 600-year-old Rijksmonument is in the historic centre. Today, the castle serves as a venue for weddings, meetings, conferences, parties and other special gatherings.
Windmill and Cheese: Specific Visitor Experiences
Molen De Windhond is a round stone windmill built in Woerden in 1755. It stands on one of the last preserved sections of the old city wall. On Wednesday afternoons from 2 to 4 p.m., you can visit the mill on a Guild guided tour. On Saturdays, it is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. as a working mill, with the miller present. Children under twelve must be accompanied; group tours may incur a charge. As visiting hours may change, check the schedule before your visit.
The Kaaspakhuis in Woerden is the only cheese warehouse still in operation in the Netherlands that is open to visitors. In the “Brouw je eigen kaas” workshop, participants make their own cheese under the guidance of an expert cheesemaker. Check the workshop booking details before your trip. This offers a way to learn about cheese not only by visiting the warehouse but also by making it yourself.
Countryside and Excursions Around Woerden
Near Woerden, the Polderroute initially follows the towpath along the Oude Rijn. The path recalls the area’s former tow traffic. Around the picturesque village of Kockengen, the route passes through open countryside; many meadows are bird sanctuaries. This landscape contrasts with the city’s historic traces and visits to the museum or windmill.
During the summer season, WSV De Greft offers group outings on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. Beginners can take a loop around the Singel van Woerden via the Grecht or the Oude Rijn. These options are limited to the waterways mentioned and, for group outings, to the summer season.
For planning, the distinction is clear: windmill visits are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while group outings take place on summer Tuesdays. Check the current time slots if you want to plan your stay around them.
Discover more destinations: Harmelen.
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