Bodegraven between Roman Finds and Cheese Tradition

Bodegraven lies on both sides of the Oude Rijn. The “Rondje Bodegraven” cycling route runs from Oud Bodegraven to Bodegraven. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bodegraven, the town offers several points of interest: archaeological finds, cultural activities, cheese tradition and activities on the water.

Roman Traces and Local History

Archaeological traces of a wooden auxiliary fort for auxiliary troops were found in the town center. The fort was probably built around 45–50 AD. A gilded Roman cavalry helmet is also part of the area’s archaeological history: it was discovered at a sand extraction site on the Oude Rijn in 1937. A replica of the helmet can be seen in the town center. The discovery and its present-day display are distinct: the helmet was found on the Oude Rijn, while the replica is on display in the town center. Works of art in Bodegraven also recall the town’s past.

Culture and Cheese Tradition

Evertshuis offers theater performances, concerts, films, other cultural activities and exhibitions. It also organizes art excursions and theater trips. Alongside local history, a variety of cultural activities are therefore a focus.

The Bodegraafse Kaaskoningin tradition began in 1952 and has been included in the Dutch Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. The Najaarsmarkt is another opportunity to experience cheese as part of local events: it takes place every year in September and includes a professional cheese judging. Check the dates for the year of your stay.

Routes and Outdoor Activities

The “Van Kaasboer tot Artiest” village walk is five kilometers long and is listed as taking one and a half hours. It starts and ends at the NS railway station, Stationsplein 1, 2411 CK, Bodegraven. The Veldzichtpad XL is a longer route, at 18 kilometers with a listed duration of five hours. Access to this route is restricted. The stated distances and durations make the difference in time between the two routes clear.

De Oude Zustertuin is a children’s playground and animal park in the heart of Bodegraven. School groups and BSO and KDV childcare facilities can visit free of charge; advance registration is requested to help plan the visit.

The Oude Rijn can also be part of your stay. A boat trip passes through Bodegraven; distinctive buildings, churches and cheese warehouses line the route along the water. Boats can be rented for trips on the Oude Rijn in Bodegraven.

Cheese, Farm Life and Flower Garden

At Kaasboerderij De Graaf, a one-and-a-half-hour experience explains how cheese is made and what life on a farm is like. Advance arrangements may be required for farm visits. The farm shop sells freshly made cheese and other regional products.

At the Hortus Populus flower garden, you can put together your own wildflower bouquet. Together with the cultural activities, routes and cheese tradition, these offer different ways to plan your trip. When looking for a hotel in Bodegraven, you can weigh up which options suit your stay based on the activities you have planned.

Discover more destinations: Nieuwerbrug aan Den Rijn, Reeuwijk.

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