Drimmelen: Water, the Biesbosch and history

Water is part of planning a visit to De Biesbosch National Park: anyone wanting to go there from Drimmelen has to cross it. Options include renting a boat, booking a crossing or joining an organised excursion. From Drimmelen, you can also explore the Biesbosch by electric boat, canoe or sloop, or on a sightseeing cruise.

The Biesbosch: a watery landscape and wildlife

De Biesbosch National Park is a freshwater tidal area with stretches of open water, reed beds and creeks. Its shallow, fish-rich waters attract osprey and white-tailed eagles. Activities include beaver safaris and looking for birds in the early morning. Biesbosch MuseumEiland and the Biesboschcentrum are starting points for exploring the area.

Another option is to set off from Lage Zwaluwe: the bicycle ferry takes about 15 minutes to cross to the Biesbosch. Check the latest departure times if you plan to take this option.

Cycling and walking routes in the municipality

The municipality of Drimmelen has an extensive network of numbered junctions for walkers and cyclists. The cycle path over the Amerdijk runs from the village of Drimmelen to Lage Zwaluwe, offering views of the surrounding area along the way. Het Beverpad runs from Lage Zwaluwe to Drimmelen. The route is about five kilometres long and offers views of the Amer river and the Biesbosch.

The Geluksroute offers another way to get to know the landscape. It leads to six places selected by local residents because they make them especially happy. The route passes through open polder landscapes, along monumental dike lines and beside the water. The focus is therefore not only on the route itself, but also on the places chosen by local residents and the landscape.

History, windmills and local produce

The Kleine Schans Terheijden was built in 1639 to protect shipping on the Mark and the Breda–Moerdijk connection. There is a walking trail at the fortification. The Linie van de Munnikenhof also brings landscape and history together: its distinctive earthen ramparts and ditches were part of the Zuiderfrontier. Today, the line is a 42-hectare nature area that is open at all times and suitable for cycling and walking.

In Terheijden, Molen De Arend still operates as a grain mill. Built in 1742, it is open to visitors and has a shop selling more than 30 varieties of bread flour, as well as just as many baking mixes for cakes and tarts. Dorpsbrouwerij Terheijden welcomes visitors on brewing days and offers beer tastings at events. With guidance, you can brew craft beer yourself there; no prior experience is required. Local products such as strawberries, eggs, potatoes, asparagus and meat are also available in the municipality.

Eendenkooi Terheijden is a historic duck decoy, probably established in 1639. At this site, wild ducks were lured to a trapping facility on a pond surrounded by woodland, using tame decoy ducks.

Birdwatching areas and special places

Visitors watch birds or go for walks in the Grote Zonzeelse Polder, which is home to 150 different bird species. Raising the water level created a special nature area there, particularly for meadow birds. Gat van de Ham also combines landscape and wildlife watching: it is a remnant of an old creek area south of the Amer river. You can walk, cycle and fish there; the peaceful surroundings provide a breeding ground for many bird species.

The Historisch Haventje was formed by the St Elizabeth’s flood of 1421. Its varied vegetation provides a breeding ground for, among others, reed warblers and bluethroats. At the Oude Begraafplaats in Oud Drimmelen, the outer walls of a medieval church demolished in 1793 have been preserved. The old trees around the cemetery provide shelter for various bird species. Terheijden has another historic centre: Antonius Abt has been the heart of the village for more than 600 years.

For more nature experiences, De Winput has a swimming lake with a beach where you can swim and play; there are walking opportunities in the surrounding area. The De Belhamel nature playground is an activity for children.

Discover more destinations: Lage Zwaluwe, Terheijden, Hooge Zwaluwe, Drimmelen, Made, Wagenberg, Zundert, Dongen.

For the main travel overview: North Brabant.