Capelle aan den IJssel: History, Nature and Trails

When planning a stay in Capelle aan den IJssel, you can focus on local history, nature or leisure trails. When choosing a hotel, consider which of these interests will shape your trip: historic buildings and protected townscapes, natural features in Schollebos, or trails through the polder landscape.

Historic sites and architectural traces

The Capelse Dorpskerk burned down completely on 30 May 1574; a new, elongated church was built on the same site in 1593. The protected townscape of Oude Plaats is L-shaped: each of its two sides is about 80 metres long, and the Hollandsche IJssel forms its southern boundary. These details illustrate different historical scales, from a single church building to a protected townscape.

The outlines of the medieval castles of Capelle and the later Slot van Capelle are visible on Sloteiland. The Van Cappellenhuis on Dorpsstraat is a listed building. Around 1896, Johannes Nolen and Anna Maria van Cappellen founded it as a home for older men and women. Its founding story adds the building’s original social purpose to the history of its architecture and townscape.

Routes and getting around

The Capelse Monumenten Route “Klein maar fijn” is 12.1 kilometres long, wheelchair-accessible, and suitable for walking and cycling. You can cover it in sections, so you do not necessarily have to plan to complete the whole route in one go. This lets you choose between the full distance and a shorter section.

The route starts at Capelle Centrum metro station, next to De Koperwiek shopping centre and opposite the town hall. There is ample parking there. The municipal building is easy to reach by public transport; the metro station is a short distance away. Before your visit, check current route conditions and parking options.

Nature in Schollebos

In the Schollebos nature area, the Natuurpad provides information about the natural features visible there. Schollebos is also home to a challenging cycling course for children. These activities offer different experiences: the Natuurpad focuses on natural features, while the cycling course offers a sporting activity for children. Natuurparels is a geocaching route in Capelle aan den IJssel. As the availability of external routes may change, check whether Natuurparels is available before making plans.

A municipal notice dated 13 April 2026 mentions designated picking zones in Schollebos. Visitors were allowed to taste apples, pears and berries there, and to pick some fruit for their own consumption. Check the applicable rules before picking, as they may change.

Park Hitland and the polder landscape

Park Hitland is located near the destination, between Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel and Capelle aan den IJssel. Activities there include walking, cycling, fishing, birdwatching, canoeing, horse riding, skating and golf. If a particular activity is important to your plans, check in advance whether it is currently available.

The “Hitland – historisch polderlandschap” route follows the Hollandsche IJssel through a historic polder landscape between the built-up areas of Capelle aan den IJssel and Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel. Part of it runs along paved cycle paths; there is also an optional footpath to the riverbank. While the Natuurpad provides information about natural features, this route focuses on the course of the river and the polder landscape.

Klaverweide with children

If you are travelling with children, Kinderboerderij Klaverweide offers a distinct focus. It is located in a historic farmhouse dating from 1650. Animal enclosures are spread across the grounds, allowing children to explore and learn about animals through play. There is also a playground. This makes Klaverweide different in focus from the routes and historic townscapes: here, the emphasis is on farm life, animals and play.

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