Visitors choosing Heenvliet as a destination can focus on several distinct points of interest: its officially protected townscape, the market’s history as a harbour, Kasteel Ravesteyn, and the Bernisse nature and recreation area. There is also a walking route through the town centre, a bridleway that passes Heenvliet, and the annual Paardenmarkt. This makes it possible to plan a trip around a specific focus: the town’s historical development, outdoor activities or a particular weekend.
A protected townscape with a harbour past
Heenvliet is officially designated as a protected town or village landscape. A distinctive part of the town’s history can be seen at the market square. A harbour once stood here, but it silted up and was partly filled in before 1600. The square-shaped space developed afterwards. The market square’s layout is therefore part of the history of the former harbour and shows how the former harbour area became a square. Those interested in the town’s architectural development will find a tangible point of reference here.
Ravesteyn and the history of the Lords of Heenvliet
The history of Kasteel Ravesteyn can be traced to two points in time. Hugo van Voorne, the first Lord of Heenvliet, had the castle built around the middle of the 13th century. In 1572, the Watergeuzen destroyed Kasteel Ravesteyn during the Eighty Years’ War; the ruins have survived to this day. The approximate date of construction and the precisely dated end of the castle provide different points of reference: one marks the origins of Ravesteyn, the other its destruction and the ruins that remain today.
The Ravesteyn ruins are the centrepiece of a five-hectare estate behind the Ambachtsherenhuis in Heenvliet. The Ambachtsherenhuis was originally the residence of the Lords of Heenvliet; Maria de’ Medici visited the building in 1638. This brings into view not only the castle’s history, but also the former residential function of the manor house and a specific historical visit. The Bernisse Toen en Nu project has installed 3D experience points on the grounds of the Ravesteyn ruins and near Toldam 2 in Heenvliet.
Walking route, bridleway and Bernisse
The 13.5-kilometre Heenvlietpad is a walking route through the town centre. It passes along the characterful market square, with its centuries-old façades. By contrast, the Ruiterpad Bernisse is a bridleway that passes Heenvliet. The routes differ both in activity and in their relationship to the town: the Heenvlietpad runs through the town centre, while the bridleway passes Heenvliet. You can take the walking route’s length into account when planning your day.
The Bernisse also gives the destination a natural setting: the nature and recreation area begins at Heenvliet. Together with the protected townscape and historic buildings, this offers a different focus from the route information. When choosing Heenvliet for a trip, you can consider whether the town’s history, the 13.5-kilometre walking route or its connection to the Bernisse will be the deciding factor for your stay.
The Paardenmarkt as a date to plan around
The Paardenmarkt in Heenvliet takes place every year during the Whitsun weekend. It is a recurring event that can help determine your travel dates. You can plan your stay around this annual occasion, while the town’s protected history, Ravesteyn and its connection to the Bernisse offer further reasons to choose the destination at any time of year.
Discover more destinations: Zuidland, Abbenbroek, Simonshaven, Oudenhoorn
See the overview of the wider area: Bernisse.
