Barendrecht between Waterways and History

Discover Barendrecht through its waterways, polder landscape and local history. The Blauwe Verbinding leads all the way to the Zuidpolder; there are also designated monuments, archaeological traces and walking and cycling routes. During your stay, you can choose between activities on the water, routes and historical themes.

Waterways and Polders

The Blauwe Verbinding is a 16-kilometre waterway that leads to the Zuidpolder in Barendrecht. There are canoe landing stages and signed transfer points along the waterway. It is suitable for canoes, small rowing boats and electric whisper boats, as well as swimming and sport fishing. At De Kleine Duiker, you can rent a canoe to explore the polder on the water. The same location is a starting point for walks through the Zuidpolder. This gives you the choice of exploring the area by water or on foot.

Walking and Cycling Routes

The main route of the Vossenpad is 10 kilometres long and passes through the Carnisse Grienden and historic polders enclosed by dikes. The Vrijheidsroute offers routes for different modes of travel: its cycle route is 22 kilometres long, while the 3-kilometre walking route runs through the old village centre of Barendrecht and its surroundings. You can choose a route based on the distance you want to cover and whether you prefer to walk or cycle.

The Rolf Route is a cycling and walking route along the village centre of Barendrecht. Signs with text and pictures provide information about the town’s history along the route. The route starts and ends at Barendrecht NS railway station. The Oude Maas recreation area is also a good place for walking; the nearest car parks at the Oude Maas can fill up quickly at peak times.

Monuments and Historical Traces

The Hervormde Kerk in Barendrecht and the water tower in the old village are designated Rijksmonumenten. The Westerhoeve farm on Voordijk also has this status. A Rijksmonument is a national monument. The archaeological monument at Gaatkensplas contains settlement traces from the Middle Neolithic. At several locations on Noldijk, remnants of a brick wall dating from around 1450 can be found. The history therefore ranges from Neolithic settlement traces to the remains of a 15th-century wall.

The Vrijheidsroute offers another historical perspective: it includes 17 historical points relating to events of the Second World War and the liberation. Along the Rolf Route, meanwhile, you can encounter local history through signs with text and pictures. The two routes have different focuses: the Vrijheidsroute looks at wartime events and the liberation, while the Rolf Route provides information about the history of Barendrecht.

Local History and Seasonal Market

The D’Ouwe School Museum has a permanent exhibition on the history of Barendrecht and everyday life in the past. Guided tours are available for school groups. From April to September, a regional market is held monthly at De Kleine Duiker farm. Check the specific market date before your visit, as the seasonal schedule may change.

Planning Tips

When planning your stay, the route lengths and themes can help you choose your activities: options include a 3-kilometre walking route through the old village centre, the 10-kilometre main route of the Vossenpad and a 22-kilometre cycle route. If you plan to visit the regional market, it is a good idea to check the specific date in advance. Also bear in mind that the nearest car parks at the Oude Maas can fill up quickly at peak times.

Discover more destinations: Barendrecht, Barendrecht, Wassenaar, Zederik, Graafstroom, Ridderkerk, Albrandswaard, Boskoop

Go to the main travel overview: South Holland.