Drimmelen: Waterways and village history

In Drimmelen, trips into the Biesbosch meet historic details of the village and paths through the landscape. From here, you can explore the Biesbosch by boat or canoe. Herengracht, the village church, historic cruises and a route through the Prinsenpolder offer different perspectives. If you’re looking for a hotel in Drimmelen, this selection can help you make the experiences the focus of your trip: a journey on the water, getting active on land or a glimpse of the village’s history.

Experience the Biesbosch from the water

The Biesbosch is a freshwater tidal area. For 600 years, the tides have shaped a landscape of water, reed beds and creeks. From Drimmelen, visitors can explore the area by boat or canoe. At Biesbosch Sloepenverhuur, direct access by boat takes you from the landing stage into the Biesbosch. De Biesbosch In rents out sloops and fishing boats from its own harbour in Drimmelen.

You don’t need a boating licence or prior experience to rent a boat from De Biesbosch In. On arrival, visitors receive a detailed briefing on the boat and the cruising area, as well as a free water map, tips and suggested routes. This helps you choose between renting a boat yourself and taking a canoe trip, while keeping the distinctive tidal landscape in view.

Cruises and combined experiences

Another way to get to know the Biesbosch is aboard the historic reed barge “de Drie Gezusters”. Stichting Vrienden van de Biesbosch runs cruises on the 125-year-old vessel for a maximum of twelve passengers. A skipper and a guide accompany the trip, which passes historic highlights of the Biesbosch. The limited number of passengers sets this option apart from renting a boat for yourself.

The “Zwerftocht door de Biesbosch” combines a boat trip with a walk and starts in Drimmelen. The walking section is approximately three kilometres long. If you’re looking for a combination of a trip on the water and getting active on foot, this offers both in one experience; the stated distance refers to the walk. Stichting Vrienden van de Biesbosch also preserves the culture and history of the willow workers and reed cutters in the Biesbosch.

Landscape and routes around Drimmelen

The Gat van de Ham nature area is a remnant of an old creek system south of the River Amer. You can fish, walk or cycle there. The “Mooie molens in de Prinsenpolder” route runs from Drimmelen through the Prinsenpolder to the Moerdijk Bridge. The bridge offers panoramic views over the water and the Biesbosch. This gives you two different options: the Gat van de Ham, with its walking and cycling opportunities, or a route whose described course reaches the viewpoint at the Moerdijk Bridge.

Herengracht and the village’s history

Herengracht preserves the former lock channel and features distinctive houses. The Protestant Church of Drimmelen also stands on Herengracht. It is the village church and home to the local Protestant congregation. Its foundation stone was laid in 1792 by Maria van Doorn, the daughter of the schout (local magistrate). The street and church thus connect a visible feature of the village with a specific historical date.

Another historic site is the Oude Begraafplaats (Old Cemetery) in Oud Drimmelen. A medieval church once stood on its grounds and was demolished in 1793. The pond on the site provides a habitat for various amphibians and insects. Those interested in local history will find here not only the site of the church, but also a natural feature that differs from the history of Herengracht.

Planning information

VVV BiesboschDrimmelen provides information to help plan your visit at its office at Marinaweg 21, 4924 BB Drimmelen. Check the current office hours and regulations before visiting. This will help you link your search for accommodation with the excursions that matter most to you: a boat trip or walk in the Biesbosch, a landscape route or the historic village setting.

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

Back to the main travel overview: Drimmelen.