Discover Papendrecht

Papendrecht can be explored through a range of themes: theatre and local history, river art, and walking and nature trails. During your stay, you can choose your visits based on whether you want to focus on a performance, historical evidence or an outdoor route.

Culture and maritime history

The De Willem theatre offers a varied programme of more than a hundred performances each year. If a particular performance is important to your trip, check the programme for your dates. The theatre is located at Van der Palmstraat 4, 3351 HA Papendrecht.

The Museum Stichting Dorpsbehoud Papendrecht was established in the central section of a Marechaussee barracks built in 1920 on the west side of Veerdam. Its small hall houses the old clock mechanism from the Grote Kerk. The Lancasterzaal contains documents and objects from the “Popeye” bomber, which crashed in 1944, and its crew. Another historical detail is the Grote Kerk bell, which was made in 1375.

Papendrecht’s maritime heritage includes historic shipyards, water-related industries, the construction of small boats and yachts, and ship repairs on the Beneden Merwede. The history of the Slobbengorsbrug over the river de Gantel also shows how parts of a structure were preserved: the original bridge was replaced in 2013; its old steel structure, lifting mechanism and ballast box were rebuilt in the same form and colour.

River art and walks

Beeldenpark Drechtoevers is a permanent exhibition of large sculptures along the banks of the Oude Maas, the Beneden Merwede and the Noord. Queen Beatrix opened the sculpture park in 1996.

A walking route along water, art and the past runs for much of its length beside the Beneden Merwede. Papendrecht’s first houses were once built there. From Aviolandapad, the walk offers impressive views of Dordrecht and Zwijndrecht, as well as the ships at the point where the three rivers meet. The two viewpoints offer different perspectives: along the Beneden Merwede, the early history of settlement is also in focus, while from Aviolandapad you can see the two cities and the shipping traffic.

Nature trails and landscape

The Natuurroute Icoonsoorten Papendrecht leads to 22 distinctive plant and animal species found in Papendrecht. It can be explored on foot or by bicycle, and a free route map is included. Along the way, you can scan QR codes, watch short videos and answer quiz questions. The route thus combines walking or cycling with short digital stops about the species.

The Streekmuseum of Natuur en Vogelwacht De Alblasserwaard provides information about the natural and landscape values of the so-called Veenweide area. Talks, gatherings and exhibitions are also held there. Beside the entrance to Alblasserbos, visitors can take a walk through a Heemtuin and see miniature landscape features of the former Alblasserwaard.

Opening hours and getting around

The Museum Stichting Dorpsbehoud Papendrecht is open to visitors on Saturdays from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The Kinderboerderij Papenhoeve is open Tuesday to Sunday between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; check these opening hours again before you travel.

You can pick up the brochure for the ’40-’45 Route Papendrecht at the Museum Dorpsbehoud Papendrecht, Veerdam 6. A regional bus stop and a Waterbus landing stage for services to Dordrecht and Sliedrecht are located right next to Papendrecht marina. If you plan to take the Waterbus, check the timetable for your intended journey in advance.

For the main travel overview: Papendrecht.