Holiday apartment in Woudrichem: Fortifications, Mills and River Routes
Accommodation in Woudrichem
Woudrichem combines a distinctive history of fortifications with mills, fishing culture and routes along the surrounding rivers. Woudrichem Fortress was designated a protected townscape in 1972. This combination of historic buildings and waterways offers you various starting points for planning your trip when choosing a holiday apartment in Woudrichem.
File:Woudrichem, straatzicht Vissersdijk met stadspoort, kanon en de Rooms Katholieke Kerk van Johannes Nepomuk RM39587 foto6 2016-06-19 12.56.jpg
Photo: Michielverbeek via Source, CC BY-SA 4.0
Fortifications and Mills in Woudrichem
The reconstructed Nooit Gedagt Mill was officially opened on 31 May 1996. The Nooit Gedagt grain mill has always stood on the city wall of Woudrichem Fortress. The mill’s location on the city wall combines its function as a grain mill with Woudrichem’s fortifications in the historic townscape.
Another defining structure is the Martinustoren: it is 34 metres high and has 196 steps.
The Gevangenpoort also tells the story of Woudrichem’s past. It is one of five surviving gates from the 15th century. The Visserij- en Cultuurhistorisch Museum in Woudrichem displays a collection on the history of river fishing in Woudrichem. The old Visafslag Woudrichem, once the centre of local fishing, was formerly located directly inside the town gate.
Fishing History and Regional Traditions
Woudrichem has held fishing rights for six centuries. Fishing is therefore present not only in the buildings and museum themes, but is also part of the town’s history, which can be traced back over a longer period. During the Festival Weekend around Ascension Day, fish-frying championships are held in Woudrichem Fortress.
River Routes through the Vestingdriehoek
The Vestingdriehoek is the area between the fortifications of Gorinchem, Woudrichem and Zaltbommel, as well as Slot Loevestein and Fort Vuren. With the ferries, you can visit five fortifications in three provinces in a single day. This regional perspective broadens the view beyond Woudrichem.
For shorter or more locally focused activities, the Dokter-Tinus Route offers a distinct option. It leads on foot through the historic fortified town of Woudrichem and past locations known from the series. The Rondje Woudrichem route includes a ferry crossing over the Waal. Another walking and boating route crosses the Merwede twice. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a walk through the town, a ferry crossing and a combined walking and boating route.
Historical Themes and Routes
When planning a trip to Woudrichem, you can consider the history of the fortifications, fishing culture and river experiences as different themes for your stay. If you primarily want to explore the buildings, the Gevangenpoort, Martinustoren and Nooit Gedagt Mill represent different historical highlights. For a more active day plan, the Dokter-Tinus Route, Rondje Woudrichem and the walking and boating route take centre stage instead.
The Vestingdriehoek complements these routes with excursions between five fortifications, while the museum, old Visafslag and fish-frying championships present the local fishing history from different perspectives.
For the overarching travel overview: Woudrichem.
