Koudekerk aan den Rijn: History and routes along the Oude Rijn

Among the sights are a church with a long history and surviving parts of a castle complex. The routes follow riverbanks and tree-lined avenues, and the cycle path offers wide-open views across the polders. Consider which of these interests you want to shape your stay before choosing a hotel.

Church, castle and village centre

Brugkerk is considered the oldest monument in both Koudekerk and the municipality of Alphen aan den Rijn. When it was first built, it was called St Nicolaaskerk; it was founded around the 10th century AD. Its history therefore goes back a long way. The mechanical drawbridge at Bruggestraat 7 also tells the story of the development of the village centre: it was built over the Oude Rijn in 1929 and is located at the entrance to the old village centre. The Amsterdam-style bridge replaced a double-leaf bascule bridge dating from 1876.

A circular castle site surrounded by a moat and the polygonal western gate tower are all that remain of Groot Poelgeest Castle. The site of the first excavations near the small tower at Groot Poelgeest can be seen from Dorpsstraat. You can also view the excavation site from Lagewaard or Ruigekade; it lies to the left of Hondsdijkse Molen. An information board explains how people lived here in the early Middle Ages. As the signage may change, check the latest information in advance if you are interested.

Mill and historic farm complex

Hondsdijkse Molen was built at its current location in 1693, after a mill dating from 1644 was purchased from Leiden. The mill was used to drain the Hondsdijkse Polder until 1959. Its history thus links a specific construction date with the polder’s former use.

The Westdorp farm complex adds an example of regional farmhouse architecture to these sights. The largely well-preserved farm, dating from the late 19th century, comprises a longhouse typical of the Rijnstreek, an adjoining summer house and a barn. Westdorp forms part of a historically valuable strip of farms along the Oude Rijn. The individual buildings and their layout give the farm complex its distinctive architectural character.

Walking routes and the polder landscape

The Hondsdijkroute is a 7.2 km circular walking route that starts in Koudekerk aan den Rijn. Rondje Koudekerk has different points of interest: the walk starts at the animal pasture and follows an atmospheric avenue of pollarded willows towards Lagewaard. It also runs along a nature-friendly riverbank with a wide variety of plants. Natural features may change; check the latest excursion information before setting out.

Rondje Koudekerk is suitable for people with visual impairments and wheelchair users. Check the specific arrangements before taking part. The information about the two walks highlights different points of reference: the Hondsdijkroute is described by its circular layout and length, while Rondje Koudekerk is described by its starting point, route and natural features. You can therefore make your choice based on the type of walk and the conditions that matter to you.

For cycling, the cycle path along Mattenkade, Ruigekade and Batelaan has several places to stop and offers wide-open views across the polders north of the Oude Rijn. The polders along Mattenkade and Ruigekade are also considered a haven for hares. Walking and cycling offer different experiences: the walks focus on the route layout, course and individual natural features, while the cycle route combines places to stop with views across the polder landscape.

Discover more destinations: Hazerswoude-Rijndijk, Hazerswoude-Dorp.

Return to the main travel overview: Rijnwoude.