Barendrecht Between Waterways and History

Explore Waterways and Polders

The Blauwe Verbinding is a 16-kilometre waterway that reaches the Zuidpolder in Barendrecht. Along the waterway, there are signposted canoe routes and transfer points. It is suitable for canoes and small rowing and whisper boats, as well as swimming and sport fishing. At De Kleine Duiker, visitors can rent a canoe to explore the polder by water; the site is also a starting point for walks through the Zuidpolder. A trip on the water and a walk through the polder are thus two distinct options.

A regional market is held monthly from April to September on the grounds of De Kleine Duiker. Check the date before your visit, as the seasonal events calendar may change. The Oude Maas recreation area is also popular for walking. The nearest parking spaces there can fill up quickly at peak times.

Choose Routes by Length and Theme

When considering the routes, it is worth looking at both their distance and theme: the walking route of the Vrijheidsroute is 3 kilometres long and runs through the old village centre and its surroundings; its cycling route is 22 kilometres long. The Vrijheidsroute includes 17 historic sites relating to events of the Second World War and the liberation. This gives you a shorter walk in the village area and a longer cycle route as two options of different lengths.

The Rolf-Route is a cycling and walking route along the village centre. It starts and ends at Barendrecht NS railway station. Signs with text and pictures along the route provide information about the history of Barendrecht. The Vossenpad passes through the Carnisse Grienden and historic polders enclosed by dikes; its main route is 10 kilometres long. The routes therefore differ in length, course and the historical or landscape themes they cover.

History in the Village and at the Museum

Barendrecht’s historic traces can be found in a wide variety of places. The Hervormde Kerk is designated a Rijksmonument, or national monument. The water tower in the old village is also a Rijksmonument, as is Westerhoeve farm on Voordijk. An archaeological monument at Gaatkensplas contains settlement remains from the Middle Neolithic. At several points along Noldijk are remnants of a brick wall dating from around 1450.

Museum D’Ouwe School has a permanent exhibition on the history of Barendrecht and everyday life in the past. The museum offers guided tours for school groups. Together, these historical themes range from designated architectural monuments and archaeological evidence to the history of everyday life.

Choose a Holiday Rental Based on Your Planned Activities

When searching for a holiday rental in Barendrecht, your travel interests can be a helpful starting point: if water activities are a priority, you can include the Blauwe Verbinding and De Kleine Duiker in your plans. If you are more interested in history, the village centre, routes, monuments and permanent exhibition offer different points of interest.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Barendrecht, Barendrecht, Dirksland, Nederlek, The Hague, Westvoorne, Nieuwkoop, Rijswijk.

For the overview of the wider region: South Holland.