Meerkerk: Water Tower, Waterways and Nature

Meerkerk lies on the Merwede Canal and offers two distinct perspectives on a stay: the village’s townscape, with its water tower, and the waterways and natural landscape in the surrounding area. The Oude Zederik runs from Meerkerk to Ameide and flows through the nearby De Zouweboezem nature reserve. The Merwede Canal is also the central thread of the Dotterbloem Route and a popular shipping route for both commercial and recreational vessels. This puts culture and architecture in the spotlight alongside fenland and waterways.

Water Tower and Architecture

Meerkerk’s water tower is a well-known landmark and a prominent point of reference in the townscape. It was built between 1935 and 1936 on behalf of Drinkwaterleiding De Alblasserwaard en De Vijfheerenlanden. At 59.72 metres tall, it features a typical interwar architectural style related to Functionalism and Nieuwe Bouwen. The tower has cultural-historical, architectural-historical and urban-planning value. Its construction period, architectural classification and importance to the townscape reveal different aspects of the same building.

Nature and the Dotterbloem Route

The landscape around Meerkerk is shaped by endless meadows, dikes and, above all, plenty of water. The marshy fenlands of nearby Zouweboezem are home to the largest breeding colony of purple herons in the Netherlands. The area was excavated in the 14th century to accommodate excess polder water. A boardwalk runs through the fenland, and there are several viewing points.

The main section of the Dotterbloem Route is 7 km long. To complete the loop, you need to cross the Oude Zederik in a small rowing boat. The loop through Zouweboezem is closed from 15 March through 15 July. The terrain is also important when planning: the grass paths through Quakernaak and Zouweboezem are not suitable for wheelchairs. Free parking for the Dotterbloem Route is available at Raadhuisplein. The length of the main section and the conditions for the loop relate to different planning considerations. Check the latest route information before your outing, especially if you plan to include the loop.

Church and Memorial Site

The village’s history also includes the Hervormde Kerk and the war memorial. The church dates back to an original late-medieval building. The memorial is an upright, open granite oval bearing the names of twenty-one war victims. It commemorates residents of Meerkerk who lost their lives during the Second World War and in the former Dutch East Indies, and was unveiled on 4 May 2011. A church with late-medieval origins and a memorial site with a precisely dated unveiling thus speak to different historical themes.

Farming and Ice Cream

The dairy farm Melkveehouderij V.O.F. Kloek-Blom in Meerkerk offers educational activities on the farm. As programme details may change, check what is currently on offer before visiting. IJsboerderij Middelbroeck invites you to stop for an ice cream. The artisan-made ice cream is prepared with milk from cows that graze outdoors as much as possible. The two offerings have different focuses: educational activities on the farm and a stop for ice cream.

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