Discover Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht: Nature, Routes and History

Sophiapolder shows Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht’s nature-rich side: this 77-hectare nature island lies in the tidal river Noord. After the dike was breached, it developed into a nature area shaped by the tides in 2011.

Nature and Tides on Sophiapolder

A free passenger ferry runs to the island, departing from Veersedijk 301, where parking is also available. Seasonal details of the ferry service may change, so check access information before travelling. Birds you may spot on Sophiapolder include grey plovers, redshanks, shelducks, greenshanks and spoonbills.

A visitor centre provides information about the island, its history and the animals found there. It also offers coffee and toilets. As facilities and opening times may change, check them before your visit. This will help you plan your time on the island around the conditions actually available to visitors.

Green Routes and Polder Landscape

Perenlaantje is a distinctive feature: along a grass path, it forms an avenue of more than 1,100 pear trees stretching for almost 550 metres. It is the longest pear-tree avenue in the Netherlands. Since its restoration, Perenlaantje and the surrounding area have been freely accessible to everyone. The path’s length and number of trees give it a distinctive scale, while the grass path remains the central feature of the site.

In Baxpark, the educational tree route passes 20 trees. It was developed in cooperation with the municipal administration. The route information board is near the skate area, in the dog exercise area. The tree route combines exercise in the park with a look at different trees and an educational purpose.

The 95-hectare Sandelingen-Ambacht recreation area preserves broad views across the open polder landscape. Avenues reveal the layout of former orchards, and benches are located along the area. Several cycling routes connect Sandelingen-Ambacht with surrounding municipalities. A direct cycling route between Ridderkerk and Zwijndrecht runs alongside the A16.

Local History and Culture

The BelevenisTafel invites visitors to explore local history in a playful way. Exhibitions and stories cover local art, Ambacht’s oldest farm and the history of the flax industry. The monuments also offer a glimpse of the built heritage: Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht has 10 Rijksmonumenten and 45 municipal monuments.

Pruilenburg House is mentioned as early as before 1782; partly preserved interior features date from the 18th century. It has been continuously used as a doctor’s residence since 1825. At Vreedenborg, archaeological remains have been preserved on site and are intended to remain in the ground. These places represent different aspects of the local past: historic use, preserved interiors and archaeological traces.

More Activities and Waterways

Jeugdspeelpark combines a petting zoo, a playground and an educational centre. It offers a range of outdoor lessons for children in grades 1 to 8. If you are planning a school or group visit, check the availability of the activities beforehand. Frelu-Stall is home to old Dutch cattle and sheep and is open for recreational purposes. From there, pupils can take part in the “Bij de boerensloot” and “Ontdek het platteland” programmes accompanied by an IVN school guide. Here, too, check availability before making plans.

The Waaltje is eight kilometres long and runs from Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht to the Oude Maas. Boating is possible on the Waal; local navigation rules apply. If you plan to go boating, follow these rules.

Discover more destinations: Lisse, Middelharnis, Pijnacker-Nootdorp, Gouda, Hillegom, Rotterdam, Goedereede, Binnenmaas

For the overview of destinations in the region: South Holland.