Alblasserdam: Holiday apartments and holiday homes

Alblasserdam lies between the two rivers Noord and Lek and alongside the A15 motorway. Water, polder landscapes, historic buildings and lively local traditions shape the town’s various facets. There are also specific starting points for cycling and walking routes, as well as destinations in the wider region.

Water and landscape

An important place for recreation is Lammetjeswiel, a recreational lake in Alblasserdam. It has a beach, a sunbathing lawn, toilets and play equipment for children. Its origins date back to 1373: at that time, Lammetjeswiel was created when the Noord River dike breached. This means that the lake’s present-day facilities are linked to a specific chapter in the history of the water landscape.

History and architectural heritage

Huis van Zessen, also known as Van Eesterenhuis, has been open to the public since autumn 2013. The building was designed according to the principles of the Dutch art movement De Stijl. Inside, visitors can see a presentation about Cornelis van Eesteren and furniture designed by him. Architecture, design and the person of the designer come together here.

Molen Souburgh is part of the area’s historic water-management technology. It was built in 1860 to drain the polder of the same name; a polder mill has stood at the same location since 1542. It is open as a visitor mill when the front gate is open and the mill is turning. The Oude Toren also preserves part of the town’s history: it is a surviving remnant of a 15th-century cruciform church. The church associated with the Oude Toren was destroyed in the 16th century during the conflict between the Geuzen and the Spanish and was used until 12 November 1854.

Hof Souburgh is situated on a remote bend of the small river Alblas. The site was formerly a castle and acquired its name around 1280. The present Hof Souburgh estate was built in 1857 on behalf of Mr Von Lindern, the father of Cornelis Von Lindern, who founded the cable factory.

Getting around

The Alblasserdam Kade Waterbus stop is a starting point from which you can cycle directly to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinderdijk. Another signposted connection is called „Fietsroute van Groot-Ammers naar Kinderdijk“; it starts at TOP Alblasserdam near junction 01. TOP Alblasserdam is also a starting point where you can leave your car and begin cycling and walking routes in a rural setting.

The „Wandeling Alblasserdam“ route is approximately 4.5 km long and starts at the Jan Smitkade Waterbus stop. In addition, Tourist Info Alblasserdam offers the option of reserving bicycles, kayaks and SUPs in advance.

Traditions and events

The Sint Jacobus Paardenmarkt is a centuries-old tradition in Alblasserdam. It takes place every year on the Wednesday in the week of 25 July. The market features stalls selling traditional sweets, flowers, vegetables and fruit. There are also equestrian and horse-sport activities, as well as an evening music programme.

Other local events also combine community and a programme of activities. The Clubkasrun enables clubs registered in Alblasserdam to raise money through completed laps with fixed payouts. In recent years, the Havenfestival has offered a week-long programme with a Saturday braderie and performances by well-known choirs from the surrounding area. At Kinderboerderij De Plantage, operations are managed by a permanent supervisor and several volunteers from Stichting Kinderboerderij Alblasserdam (SKA).

Wider region

In the wider region around Alblasserdam, the Kinderdijk windmills remain part of a functioning water-management system with modern pumping stations. They are open to visitors, who can tour them and ask the millers present questions. Routes around Kinderdijk enable cycling trips along dikes and polders, as well as walks through the Alblasserwaard beside the water.

Other destinations

Other destination pages to explore: Delft, Westland, Krimpen Aan Den Ijssel, Molenwaard, Graafstroom, Nieuw-Lekkerland, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht, Brielle.

For the overview of destinations: South Holland.