Hiking and boating route

The Walking & Boating Route is a tour that takes you to two fortified towns and two provinces. You visit the North Brabant town of Woudrichem and Gorinchem located in South Holland. These two fortified towns have been connected throughout the centuries. Despite the wide Merwede that separates the cities. Or perhaps thanks to that river.

Woudrichem and Gorinchem are part of both the Old and New Dutch Waterline. In these towns it is almost impossible to get lost. So feel free to deviate from the route over the city walls and wander through the idyllic streets where time seems to have stood still. Then find the ramparts again to continue your route.

As a counterpart to the urban, on this route we also take you across the Groesplaat, a floodplain between Sleeuwijk and Oudendijk. At high tide these floodplains fill up and give space to the river. If you encounter high water during this walk, walk between node 57 and 67 on the dike.

As icing on the cake, you cross the Merwede River twice during this trip. The crossing is an experience in itself, as the ferry does not go straight back and forth, but has to go downstream or upstream to get you to the other side.

For the current sailing schedule, visit: www.riveer.nl

Starting point Gorinchem: Buiten de Waterpoort, Gorinchem

Starting point Sleeuwijk: Hoekeinde 24, Sleeuwijk

Starting point Woudrichem: Schapendam, Woudrichem

Start near the embarkation and disembarkation points of the ferries. We recommend the many restaurants and cafes in Woudrichem and Gorinchem. If you come by car, pay attention, because in Gorinchem you have to pay parking fees. In Woudrichem you can park freely and parking Schapendam is recommended. In Sleeuwijk, Restaurant Boven de Rivieren is a nice starting point where you can also park freely.

Actually, this is a pampering route for all the senses! You enjoy the silence of nature and the bustle of the city. You feel the wind through your hair on the water and it all tastes like more.