Discover Numansdorp through a range of themes: fort history, walking and cycling routes, waterways and local produce. The sights and routes offer different points of focus. When planning, you can weigh up historic buildings, specific route lengths and nature along the Hollandsch Diep.
Fort history and routes with different points of focus
Fort Buitensluis dates back to 1793 or 1794: as an earthen fort with cannons, it was intended to prevent enemy troops from crossing the Hollandsch Diep. Walking trails on the grounds pass the various buildings; from there, you can enjoy views of Willemstad and the Haringvlietbrug over the Hollandsch Diep.
The Zuiderwaterlinie walking route is 6.9 kilometres long and takes you on a discovery tour through nature, history and culture around Fort Buitensluis. Along the Watersnoodwandeling, audio recordings narrated by guide Dick Holster are available at several stops. Those who want to explore historical themes while walking will find different approaches here.
The route formats also vary. Zuidfront Vesting Holland is a 55-kilometre cycling route with 13 information points about the history of the Hoeksche Waard. The signposted Molenpolderroute is 6.2 kilometres long. The route lengths and themes offer concrete points of comparison when choosing; the Zuiderwaterlinie is specifically described as a walking route, and Zuidfront Vesting Holland as a cycling route.
Church, potato storehouse and architecture
The Dutch Reformed church in Numansdorp is a national heritage site (Rijksmonument) and a hall church dating from 1653. Its architectural features include a three-sided chancel and a wooden barrel vault with tie beams.
The historic potato storehouse De Stêêne Hut reflects a different period and function. Built in 1947, it was designed to store the potato harvest of the Ambachtsheerlijkheid Cromstrijen in dark, cool, dry and frost-free conditions. Its prefabricated building elements and extensive use of concrete make the storehouse typical of post-war reconstruction architecture. Taken together, the church draws attention to its structure and vault, while De Stêêne Hut also highlights its former storage function.
Nature along the Hollandsch Diep and activities on the water
The large Oosterse Bekade Gorzen nature reserve along the Hollandsch Diep includes wild reed beds, open water, channels and creeks, nature areas outside the dikes, and willow woodland. The 60-hectare area around the Rinkelpit was developed as a nature and recreation area in 2009 and 2010. The landscape features mentioned range from open water to reeds and willow woodland, giving the area a different focus from the historic buildings.
Another way to combine water and places is to take a round trip on the Deltapontjes. The route passes through Numansdorp, Willemstad, Moerdijk and Strijensas and can be used for cycling or long-distance hiking. If you plan this trip, check ferry availability and departure times before setting off.
Getting around and regional produce
Numansdorp’s central shopping street leads towards the municipal harbour. A few kilometres further along the Hollandsch Diep are a marina and a golf course.
For a taste of regional produce, the Alexandershof farm shop offers fresh vegetables and potatoes from its own land, as well as fruit, fresh eggs and organic juice. A visit focused on local products adds another option to the selection of culture, routes and landscapes.
For the broader travel overview: Cromstrijen.
