Discover Rijswijk: Green Spaces, History and Culture

The free app „Rondje Rijswijk“ offers various walking and cycling routes in Rijswijk. The routes include paths along the Landgoederenzone and trails leading to works of art throughout the city. Those who would like to learn more about the area along the way can find explanations of Rijswijk’s history using photos. Further information is also available for use while out and about.

Find out more about the destination at Rijswijk.

Nature and Green Spaces

The Rijswijkse Landgoederenzone is a green area covering approximately 200 hectares. It is integrated into the urban area and is referred to as the „green lung“. In the south of Rijswijk lies the Stadsparkzone around the A4 motorway. This zone covers more than 160 hectares of green space and consists of the Hoekpolder, Wilhelminapark and Elsenburgerbos.

Landgoed Te Werve encompasses an area of nature. The estate is known for its stinzen plants as well as other rare flora and fauna. Each of these natural areas has its own designation: Landgoederenzone, Stadsparkzone and Landgoed Te Werve.

History and Culture

Landgoed Te Werve is one of the Rijksmonumenten, national heritage sites protected by the state, in Rijswijk. At the same time, it is one of the examples of the city’s approximately 87 state-protected Rijksmonumenten. The Oude Kerk is the oldest building in Rijswijk and was the centre of the village for centuries.

Museum Rijswijk collects, preserves and presents the history of Rijswijk. Its areas of focus include artists from Rijswijk and art created in Rijswijk. The Peace of Rijswijk is also one of the museum’s themes. The poet Tollens lived in the building that now houses the museum.

A paper biennial is held at the museum in even-numbered years. In odd-numbered years, it hosts a textile biennial. The De Naald monument was completed in 1792. Natural stone from the demolished Huis ter Nieuwburg was used to build it.

De Naald is an obelisk commemorating the Peace of Rijswijk. This peace treaty was concluded in 1697 in the former palace. Part of the old castle tower is still preserved at Landgoed Te Werve. The surviving section dates from the Middle Ages, while the tower was six storeys high. The Museum Bescherming Bevolking is located in the Kommandopost Rijswijk.

Routes and Events

The Route door Rijswijk runs mostly along paved cycle paths and bicycle streets. It is suitable for cycling with children. The Landgoedwandelen: Rijswijk walking route can be followed in both directions.

The Strandwalfestival takes place annually. Its programme includes music, culture and performances by local artists.

The historical traces range from medieval remains to the modern era: the surviving section of the castle tower at Landgoed Te Werve points to the Middle Ages, while De Naald commemorates the Peace of Rijswijk, which was concluded in 1697 in the former palace. At the museum, local history, art and the memory of Tollens come together; the paper and textile biennials alternate between even-numbered and odd-numbered years. In this way, Rijswijk brings together natural areas, cycling and walking routes, and several ways of exploring its history.

To the higher-level travel overview: Rijswijk.