Leerdam combines its identity as a glassmaking town, known since 1765, with historic buildings and green surroundings. The Glass Route can be the focus of a visit: it leads from the Nationaal Glasmuseum via the Zuidwal to the Glasblazerij and takes approximately 20 minutes on foot. Other attractions include the old town wall, the Grote Kerk and trails through the countryside. This lets you include culture and time outdoors in your stay.

Experience Glass: Collection, Route and Demonstration

The Nationaal Glasmuseum’s collection is on permanent display in the Transparant Depot. More than 60 percent of the collection consists of decorative glass products made by N.V. Glasfabriek Leerdam; the stated period runs from 1878 to the present day. At the museum, you can discover both the history of glassmaking and its design as art and as a functional object. Since exhibition displays may change, it is worth checking the latest visitor information before your visit.

The Leerdam Glass Route runs along the Zuidwal, offers views over the Linge and passes various glass-related sights. Its route from the Nationaal Glasmuseum to the Glasblazerij links these stops along a clearly defined walking route. The approximate walking time is 20 minutes. This refers to the walk between the museum and the Glasblazerij; time for a museum visit or the demonstration is additional.

At the Glasblazerij, visitors can watch from the gallery as a glassblower transforms hot, molten glass into art and design objects. This combines a look at the collection with the chance to observe glass being worked. If you want to give your stay a central focus, glass provides a unifying theme from the Transparant Depot to the route and the demonstration.

Historic Buildings in Leerdam

Leerdam’s history can also be seen in the townscape beyond the glass museum. The old town wall is one of the town’s historic monuments. The Grote Kerk Leerdam is a late pseudo-basilican cruciform church built in the 13th century, with an incorporated Romanesque tower and Rijksmonument status. The foundations of a former baptistery are visible on its west side. The church, tower and baptistery foundations bring different architectural elements together in one place.

The Hofje van Aerden offers another combination of architecture and open space. It is surrounded by listed houses and a historically landscaped garden. So, alongside individual buildings, the garden’s design and the way it interacts with the houses are also among the historic impressions you can include in your plans for Leerdam.

Walking and Time in the Green Outdoors

The Recht van ter Leede nature area is near Leerdam. The nine-hectare area is managed by Zuid-Hollands Landschap as a recreational nature area. There are picnic tables, and the walking paths are kept in good walking condition. This makes the area a separate way to balance cultural visits with time in nature, without missing out on the town’s sights.

The “Langs Stad & Land – Rondje Leerdam” walking route goes through Leerdam and the green surroundings, passing the Grote Wielsloot and Recht van ter Leede nature areas. It brings town and countryside together in one walking route, while the Glass Route describes an approximately 20-minute walk between two stops on the glass-themed route. Trail conditions may vary by season; take this into account when planning.

Getting Here and Finding Your Way Around

Leerdam station is served by trains in the direction of Dordrecht and Geldermalsen; the bus station is right next to it. Rental bikes are available at the station. If you are arriving by train or want to use a bike, check the timetable or bike availability in advance to make sure the information works for your trip.

TOP Leerdam is a good starting point for walking, cycling or boating. An information panel displays a map of the recreational route network; parking is usually readily available there. In Leerdam, you can also board a boat for a trip on the Linge. Operators and timetables may change, so check the latest schedule if the trip is part of your plans.

Plan Your Stay

When looking for accommodation in Leerdam, it helps to decide first what you want to focus on. For a stay centred on glass culture, you can focus on the collection, Glass Route and demonstration; if you also want to include architecture and nature, add the historic buildings and walking route through the town and surrounding area. The approximately 20 minutes for the Glass Route is a specific time allowance for the walk, not for the visits themselves. Plan additional stops and walks as separate parts of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Kedichem, Oosterwijk.

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