Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel: Park Hitland and Local History

Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel shows its special character where open landscapes and local history meet. Park Hitland is a recreational area of approximately 250 hectares with a rural, open character between Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel and Capelle aan den IJssel. Various walking and cycling paths, including designated walking routes, give your stay an active rhythm. In addition to the paths, the Windlust, the Steenovens in Groot Hitland and the wooden drawbridge are among the town’s specific historical points of interest. These historical points of interest are spread across Park Hitland, Groot Hitland and the town centre.

Open Landscapes with an Unusual History

The landscape itself also tells the story of the town’s development. Peat extraction in the area around Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel created large lakes, making the town resemble a kind of island between the bodies of water. The large lakes are therefore part of the town’s history and of the present-day landscape around Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel.

Paths Through Park Hitland

Park Hitland has various walking and cycling paths, including designated walking routes. When planning an active day, you can choose between a designated walking route and a cycling tour.

Windmills, Bridges and Traces of Earlier Times

On 20 May 2005, the Windlust was put back into operation as a wind-powered grain mill for the second time in its history.

The Steenovens in Groot Hitland probably date from the first half of the 19th century. In the town centre, there is also the wooden drawbridge at the end of Dorpsstraat. It dates from the 19th century and forms the connection to Oosterringdijk. The dates therefore range from the probable first half of the 19th century for the Steenovens to the 19th century for the drawbridge. The two structures are located in different places: the Steenovens in Groot Hitland and the drawbridge in the town centre.

In Park Hitland, the foundations of the former Essemolen windmill are visible. The publicly accessible foundations were preserved in connection with the construction of a cycle path and designed as a picnic area. The picnic area is part of the present-day layout around the preserved foundations.

Oudheidkamer and Leefgoed De Olifant

For those interested in culture, the range extends from the Windlust and the Steenovens to the Oudheidkamer; active days have their specific points of connection in the walking and cycling paths of Park Hitland.

Today, the Oudheidkamer contains more than 10,000 objects. Since 1992, it has been housed in the barn of the 17th-century farmhouse “Nooit-Gedacht” at ’s-Gravenweg 6a.

At Leefgoed De Olifant, Restaurant De Koningin offers a culinary experience. In Zuid-Holland, Leefgoed De Olifant is also a venue for meetings, workshops, training courses, weddings, celebrations and events.

Compare Other Places

For further orientation, you can also compare Zevenhuizen and Moerkapelle.

For the higher-level travel overview: Zuidplas.