Discover Rijswijk: Nature, Routes and History

Rijswijk combines green urban spaces, routes, museums and historic monuments. If you’re looking for a hotel in Rijswijk, you can start by deciding what you want to focus on during your stay: nature and cycling, exhibitions, or the history of the area. These different themes provide a practical framework for planning your trip.

Green Urban Spaces and Routes

The Rijswijkse Landgoederenzone is a green area of about 200 hectares, set within the urban area and known as the “green lung.” In the south of Rijswijk, the Stadsparkzone lies around the A4. It covers more than 160 hectares of green space and consists of the Hoekpolder, Wilhelminapark and Elsenburgerbos. The two areas therefore differ both in location and size.

Landgoed Te Werve is another place where you can experience nature. The estate includes an area of natural landscape and is known for its Stinzen plants and other rare flora and fauna. This plant and animal life makes it a distinct point of interest alongside the city’s larger green areas.

The free “Rondje Rijswijk” app offers a range of walking and cycling routes in Rijswijk, including routes along the Landgoederenzone and past artworks in the city. Photos accompany explanations about Rijswijk’s history and other information. As the app and its routes may change, it’s best to check the latest information before using it.

The Route door Rijswijk is also worth considering for cyclists: it mostly follows paved cycle paths and bicycle streets and is suitable for cycling with children. The Landgoedwandelen: Rijswijk route can be walked in either direction. The two routes therefore offer different options: one for cycling, the other for walking. Routes and conditions may change, so it’s a good idea to check the latest route information before setting out.

History, Monuments and Museums

The Oude Kerk is Rijswijk’s oldest building and was the centre of the village for centuries. De Naald is another historic landmark: this monument is an obelisk commemorating the Peace of Rijswijk, signed in 1697 at the former palace. De Naald was completed in 1792 and built from natural stone salvaged from the demolished Huis ter Nieuwburg.

Landgoed Te Werve also brings together themes of nature and history. It is one of the examples among the approximately 87 nationally protected Rijksmonumenten in Rijswijk. The surviving section of the old castle tower dates from the Middle Ages; the tower was six storeys high. Here, nature and heritage come together at the same named place.

Museum Rijswijk collects, preserves and presents the history of Rijswijk. Its main areas of focus include artists from Rijswijk, art created in Rijswijk, the Peace of Rijswijk and the poet Tollens, who lived in the building that now houses the museum. Another museum site is the Kommandopost Rijswijk, home to the Museum Bescherming Bevolking.

Planning Exhibitions and Events

At Museum Rijswijk, the biennale alternates between even- and odd-numbered years: a Paper Biennale takes place in even-numbered years, and a Textile Biennale in odd-numbered years. The Strandwalfestival in Rijswijk is an annual event featuring music, culture and performances by local artists. The programme may change from year to year. If a biennale or the festival is to determine your travel dates, check the latest dates and programme information when planning your trip.

There are various options to shape your trip around your interests: the size and location of the green areas, walking or cycling routes, the history surrounding the Oude Kerk and De Naald, and museums and events. This lets you tailor your stay in Rijswijk to your interests without treating nature and culture as interchangeable themes.

Go to the main travel overview: Rijswijk.