Discover Ridderkerk

Ridderkerk combines tidal landscapes and nature watching with historic sites and museum themes. The attractions vary considerably: some areas focus on creeks, mudflats and birdlife, while others offer park paths or insights into the region’s history. When planning, consider which of these themes matter most to you during your stay.

Nature and tidal landscapes

Crezéepolder is a freshwater tidal landscape. At high tide, the tidal channels and creeks fill with freshwater, while the mudflats are exposed at low tide. The area attracts numerous bird species, including kingfishers, spoonbills, black-tailed godwits and teals; beavers and unusual dragonflies can also be spotted there. An unpaved walking trail circles the entire Crezéepolder.

Ridderkerkse Griend is also a tidal nature reserve, with lush vegetation and a direct connection to the Noord. Walking paths and boardwalks cross the excavated ditches. Beavers and kingfishers live in the Griend; there is a walking route of approximately two kilometres for visitors. This provides a distinction when planning an outing: the route in the Griend has an approximate length, while the path in Crezéepolder is described as a loop around the entire area.

Waalbos covers more than 200 hectares. Woods, thickets, ponds with reed-fringed banks and open grazing areas shape the landscape; the area is a popular destination for walkers, nature lovers and nature photographers. In the De Nes nature reserve, walking paths between Pruimendijk and the A16 wind through tall grasses and colourful flowers, past dragonflies. The two areas therefore offer different natural landscapes: Waalbos alternates between wooded and open areas, while De Nes focuses on paths through grasses and flowers.

Parks, views and activities

De Gorzen has a 22-metre-high hill and an observation tower. From there, you can see across Crezéepolder and Ridderkerkse Griend; in clear weather, the windmills of Kinderdijk are also visible. The nature reserve also includes a concrete tunnel where greater horseshoe bats and common pipistrelles hibernate. The tunnel is 20 metres long, more than 1.80 metres high and one metre wide.

At Reijerpark, you can enjoy a public collection of 287 different tree species while out walking. Oosterpark covers approximately 64 hectares and is about two kilometres long and around 300 metres wide. Its lawns and paths offer opportunities for walking, running, cycling and horse riding. The Zwemvijver Oosterpark swimming pond and Hondenstrandje dog beach lie east of the petting zoo. Check the water conditions on site.

Cycling routes around Ridderkerk pass through nature reserves, picturesque villages and landscapes rich in history. Since 2022, you can cycle along the F15 fast cycling route between Ridderkerk and IJsselmonde. As routes may change, check the current route before setting off.

History and planning excursions

The Oudheidkamer devotes exhibitions to the history of shipbuilding, “hard” and “soft” baking, agriculture and flax processing. Other topics include the history of Huys ten Donck and archaeological finds from Huis te Woude. Exhibitions may change. The museum is housed in a former school building dating from 1840, which was converted into a museum in the 1980s.

Singelkerk also offers several historical reference points: the Singel surrounding it was laid out in 1602, the present tower dates from 1643, and the history of the church site goes back to a church from 1105. Rijsoordse Korenmolen ‘de Kersenboom’ dates from 1822 and has been used again for milling spelt, barley and wheat since 1993. The mill, church and museum each offer a different focus for an outing, from architectural history to craftsmanship.

For travel from Rotterdam to Kinderdijk, Waterbus line 21 runs from the Erasmus Bridge to Kinderdijk, changing at the Ridderkerk – De Schans stop. This means the journey is possible year-round. Timetables may change; check the latest times before travelling. When looking for a hotel, base your choice on the excursions that matter to you: nature watching, walks through parks or historical themes.

Discover more destinations: Ridderkerk, Bergambacht, Zoeterwoude, Katwijk, Dordrecht, Leiderdorp, Sliedrecht, Oud-Beijerland

Return to the regional travel overview: South Holland.