Oosterwijk: the Linge, dike landscape and local history

Oosterwijk lies on the Linge and is officially designated as a protected village landscape. Kerkelaantje forms the village centre. The river landscape, traces of dikes and historical details offer different points of interest for a stay. If you are looking for a hotel for your trip to Oosterwijk, you can first decide whether nature and landscape or local history are your main interests.

Dike landscape and nature along the Linge

Visible traces of dike breaches and repairs have been preserved within the protected village landscape. At Oudendijk, the gap where the washed-away section stood is visible; a repaired section is also part of Noorder Lingedijk. The landscape also includes the diked-in pool De Barendrecht, also known as De Beerendregt or De Ber, and the ring dike around it. A gap, a repaired dike section and the ring dike represent different features of the dike landscape.

A cycling trip in Oosterwijk follows the dike along the Linge. In spring, the landscape along Lingedijk is especially appealing when the fruit trees blossom; the timing of the blossom varies from year to year. The grasslands along the Linge near Oosterwijk are an important breeding and resting ground for birds. This brings together a changing springtime attraction and the importance of a habitat for birds as distinct nature-related themes. If you mainly want to see the fruit trees in blossom, take into account that the timing changes each year.

Historical details in the village

Inside the Hervormde Kerk is a pulpit dating from the last quarter of the 17th century. The cemetery at Lingedijk near Oosterwijk was laid out in 1829 and opened on 1 January 1830. In 1843, part of the general cemetery was separated by a hedge and established as a Jewish cemetery. The dates mark distinct steps: the cemetery was laid out, then opened, and later an area was separated and established as a Jewish cemetery. This provides a timeline for the development of the cemetery; the pulpit is a separate dated detail of the church.

Of the former Huis te Oosterwijk, only a cellar remains on a site surrounded by a moat. The historical picture therefore ranges from datable details such as the pulpit and cemetery to a former house of which only a structural remnant remains.

Ferry and practical information

A passenger and bicycle ferry crosses the Linge between the landing stage in Heukelum and the De Galgenwaard day recreation area in Oosterwijk. From the end of April to the end of June, it runs every weekend; from the end of June to the beginning of September, it runs daily. Check the current timetable before travelling and plan according to the stated operating times.

SUP rental in Oosterwijk is accessible via the De Galgenwaard recreation area; it is a two-minute walk from Nortierstraat. As local access regulations may change, check this information before your visit. There is also a car park with a picnic area near Oosterwijk, where you can enjoy the river landscape. Uiterwaarde De Galgenwaard has a boat ramp. If you need it for your plans, confirm its availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Leerdam, Leerdam, Kedichem

Return to the main travel overview: Leerdam.