Discover Leerdam

Leerdam offers several distinct ways to plan a stay: glass culture, historic buildings, and routes through the town and its green surroundings. If you are looking for a hotel in Leerdam, you can first consider which of these interests you would like to prioritize. The following places and routes illustrate the differences.

Glass Culture in Leerdam

Leerdam has been known as the glass city of the Netherlands since 1765. The collection at the Nationaal Glasmuseum is on permanent display in the Transparant Depot. Exhibition arrangements may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit. More than 60 percent of the collection consists of decorative art products made by N.V. Glasfabriek Leerdam from 1878 to the present day. This share makes these products a defining part of the collection.

The Leerdam Glass Route runs along the Zuidwal, offers views over the Linge, and passes various glass-related sights. One section of the route leads from the Nationaal Glasmuseum via the Zuidwal to the Glasblazerij and takes about 20 minutes on foot. At the Glasblazerij, visitors can watch from the gallery as the glassblower transforms hot, molten glass into art and design objects.

Historic Buildings

The Grote Kerk Leerdam is a late pseudo-basilica cross church built in the 13th century, with an incorporated Romanesque tower, and is a Rijksmonument. The foundations of a former baptistery are visible on its west side. The old town wall is also among Leerdam’s historic monuments. The Hofje van Aerden is surrounded by listed houses and a historically landscaped garden.

Nature and Routes

The Recht van ter Leede nature area covers 9 hectares, is located near Leerdam, and is managed as a recreational nature area by Zuid-Hollands Landschap. There are picnic tables in the area, and the walking paths are kept in good condition.

The “Langs Stad & Land – Rondje Leerdam” walking route passes through Leerdam and the green surrounding area, and by the Grote Wielsloot and Recht van ter Leede nature areas. Conditions may vary depending on the season.

Choose a route based on your interests: the Glass Route is an approximately 20-minute walk between the museum and the Glasblazerij, while “Langs Stad & Land – Rondje Leerdam” passes through the town and green surroundings, by two nature areas.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

TOP Leerdam is a good starting point for walking, cycling, or boating. The information panel provides a map of the recreational route networks; parking is usually readily available.

Leerdam station is served by trains heading toward Dordrecht and Geldermalsen; the bus station is next to the railway station. Rental bicycles are available at the station. Check their current availability and the timetables before you travel.

You can board a boat trip on the Linge in Leerdam. Operators and schedules may change; check the latest departure information before making plans.

Discover more destinations: Kedichem, Leerdam, Oosterwijk

Go to the main travel overview: Leerdam.