Discover Schipluiden

Schipluiden combines architectural and church history with a landscape of waterways and farmland. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in the village, you can choose based on the themes that interest you most: historic interiors, bridge construction or a marked route through varied landscapes. The sights and visiting conditions differ; not every place is open to the public.

Church, Bridge and Local History

The Dorpskerk is the oldest building in Schipluiden. Its interior features family coats of arms, the Keenenburg pew, a crypt and funerary monuments associated with Keenenburg Castle. These details give the church a distinct historical focus: in addition to being the oldest building, it is these named objects and monuments that establish its connection to the history of Keenenburg.

The Trambrug offers another piece of local history. The lattice arch bridge spans 60 metres and has tie rods made of fully rolled and riveted iron and steel. The Trambrug is also culturally and historically significant as a reminder of the infrastructure built for the growing horticultural sector in the Westland region. Its construction and historical function complement each other: the bridge is both an engineering structure and a testament to the development of this industry.

The Het Tramstation Museum also offers a glimpse of historic architecture. The building has a fully preserved interior with an Art Nouveau waiting room and is a more recent Rijksmonument (national heritage site). The difference from the other buildings is clear: here, the preserved interior is the focus, whereas the Trambrug is defined by its construction and infrastructure history. The museum has regular visiting hours; check which hours are currently in effect before your visit.

Hodenpijl: Farmstead and Historic Estate

The Hodenpijl complex is a relatively well-preserved 17th-century farmstead. Historic features have been preserved on the grounds, including waterways, an access causeway, a former kitchen garden with a garden wall, an orchard, a courtyard and a shelterbelt. This means you can explore not just a single building, but also a historic farm and garden estate.

Hodenpijl’s history also includes the fully restored church and the Op Hodenpijl rectory: both opened their doors in 2007 as a centre for reflection and encounters. This is a historical account of their reuse at the time, not a statement about their current operation. According to a description from 2021, visitors could get information about the surrounding area and enjoy a view of it from the information centre at De Levende Buitenplaats Hodenpijl. As this description dates from 2021, please check current options before travelling.

Route, Nature and Visiting Conditions

Rondje Schipluiden is a marked route. It passes rivers and canals, lakes, ponds and pools, as well as habitats for birds and wildlife, and runs through farmland. This brings water landscapes, wildlife habitats and agricultural land together along the route. Conditions may change on the ground; check the current route markings before including it in your plans.

The Eendenkooi Schipluiden serves a different purpose from a freely accessible attraction: ducks are still caught and ringed there, not for consumption but for scientific research. The site is not open to the public. If you are interested in the scientific work, this clear access restriction is important when planning your visit.

For cyclists, Paviljoen ’t Middelpunt is located on the Vlaardingsevaart near the old village centre and can be reached via several cycling routes.

Discover more destinations: Maasland, Den Hoorn.

For the broader travel overview: Midden-Delfland.