Alblasserdam: Mills, Water and Tradition

Alblasserdam lies between the Noord and Lek rivers and alongside the A15 motorway. The town’s history brings together architecture and water management; a centuries-old market tradition, a recreational lake and trails through the surrounding countryside also shape the visitor experience. If you’re looking for a hotel for a stay here, you can focus on the town’s cultural heritage or activities in the wider region.

Architecture, Mills and Local History

Huis van Zessen, also known as Van Eesterenhuis, opened to the public in autumn 2013. It was designed according to the principles of the Dutch art movement De Stijl. The house features an exhibition about Cornelis van Eesteren and furniture designed by him.

Molen Souburgh was built in 1860 to drain the polder of the same name. It is open to visitors when the front gate is open and the mill is turning. Check before your visit whether these conditions are met. The Oude Toren is a preserved remnant of a 15th-century cross-shaped church.

Hof Souburgh lies on a secluded bend of the small river Alblas. It was once a castle; the place received its name around 1280. The present estate was built in 1857 on behalf of Mr Von Lindern, the father of Cornelis Von Lindern, who founded the cable factory.

Traditions and Events

The Sint Jacobus Paardenmarkt is a centuries-old tradition in Alblasserdam. It takes place every year on the Wednesday in the week of 25 July. The market stalls offer traditional sweets, flowers, vegetables and fruit, alongside equestrian and horse-riding activities and an evening music programme. If you’d like to time your visit to coincide with the festival, check the date before travelling.

Following the success of the first edition in 1991, the Havenfestival activities were subsequently concentrated around the harbour. In past years, the week-long programme has included a Saturday braderie and performances by well-known choirs from the surrounding area.

Recreation and Regional Trails

Lammetjeswiel is a recreational lake in Alblasserdam, formed in 1373 when the Noord river dike breached. The grounds include a beach, a sunbathing lawn, toilets and play equipment for children.

At TOP Alblasserdam, you can park your car and set off on cycling and walking routes through the countryside. The cycle tour “Fietsroute van Groot-Ammers naar Kinderdijk” starts there, near junction 01. The “Wandeling Alblasserdam” route is about 4.5 km long and starts at the Jan Smitkade Waterbus stop. From the Alblasserdam Kade Waterbus stop, you can cycle directly to the Kinderdijk UNESCO World Heritage Site; check the route details before setting off. Tourist Info Alblasserdam offers the option of reserving bicycles, kayaks and SUPs in advance.

In the wider region around Alblasserdam, the Kinderdijk mills remain part of a functioning water management system that includes modern pumping stations. Visitors can tour the mills and ask the millers on site questions. Routes around Kinderdijk offer cycling along dikes and through polders, as well as walks beside the water through the Alblasserwaard.

Discover more destinations: Graafstroom, Schoonhoven, Noordwijk, Alphen Aan Den Rijn, Zwijndrecht, Barendrecht, Ouderkerk, Zoetermeer.

For the main travel overview: South Holland.