Discover Barendrecht: Nature, Routes and History

Barendrecht combines an expansive polder landscape with historic buildings and routes. When choosing a hotel in Barendrecht, you might first consider whether walks and nature watching or local history and architecture will shape your stay more. The Zuidpolder offers a focus on landscape; the stops on the Vrijheidsroute and listed buildings provide a different emphasis.

Nature and recreation in the Zuidpolder

The Zuidpolder covers approximately 170 hectares, of which 110 hectares have been developed into a varied nature and recreation area. The development is being carried out in phases. The two area figures refer to different sizes: the entire Zuidpolder and the developed nature and recreation area. Curving boardwalks cross the water and make it possible to explore nature. The Zuidpolder also has a birdwatching point.

BarendBos is intended for children. De Kleine Duiker is a starting point for walks through the Zuidpolder. You can also rent a canoe there to explore the area's waterways. As rental arrangements may change, it is advisable to check rental options in advance.

Walking and cycling on the routes

The Vrijheidsroute has two different route distances: its walking section in and around the old village centre is three kilometres long; the cycle route is 22 kilometres and runs through all of Barendrecht. The distances therefore refer to different modes of transport and routes. The Vrijheidsroute consists of 17 historic stops marked by tiles with QR codes. Check the signage and route before setting out.

The Rolf Route Barendrecht begins and ends at Barendrecht railway station. It is a cycling and walking route along the village centre, over dikes with historic buildings, and past the Oude Maas recreation area and the Barendrechtse Waal. Another named connection is the 16-kilometre Blauwe Verbinding: it runs from Zuiderpark in Rotterdam, via the future Buijtenland van Rhoon landscape park, to the Zuidpolder in Barendrecht.

Monuments and local history

The Watertoren is one of Barendrecht's national monuments. Its distinctive design, stylistic motifs and combined use of concrete and brick give it architectural and historical value. The Westerhoeve on Voordijk is also a national monument. The farm dates from the first half of the 19th century and belongs to the Flemish central long-aisle type. D’Ouwe School is a municipal monument within the protected village conservation area.

The Gaatkensplas is home to a prehistoric archaeological site unique to the area, with traces of settlement dating back more than 6,000 years. An archaeological monument site from the Neolithic period has been preserved there underwater. Begraafplaats Den Ouden Dijck also has a distinctive landscape character: features of the surrounding polder and compartment landscape are reflected there, while a stream runs through and divides the cemetery.

Visiting conditions and directions

Museum Historisch Barendrecht is open to schools and groups on weekdays by appointment. According to a dated notice, the Kerktuin behind the Dorpskerk in Barendrecht is open on Saturdays from 10:00 to 12:00; please check before your visit whether these hours are still valid. The visiting conditions at the two places therefore differ considerably: an appointment is required for the museum, while the Kerktuin has set Saturday opening hours.

The Vergeet-mij-niet-pad uses blue forget-me-not markers to help people with dementia find their way and feel secure, and to make independent walks easier. Together with the walking paths through the Zuidpolder and the historic routes, it offers a range of ways to explore Barendrecht on foot.

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