Countryside

IJsselstein, the gateway to the green heart of the Netherlands

The real Dutch landscapes and ancient towns in the nearby areas “Lopikerwaard and Krimpenerwaard” are worth visiting very much. You can enjoy the peace and quietness of the countryside’s. This area of serenity is called “the green heart of the Netherlands” and it shows the true beauty of our country. You can visit a cheese farm, or just enjoy a day along the banks of the river Lek.

If you like hiking or cycling, then this area is highly recommended. We have various routes for hiking and cycling available for you at the hotel. You can also make a trip by boat on the Hollandse IJssel or on the canal of IJsselstein.

We recommend you to visit Schoonhoven (the Silvertown), Oudewater (famous for its Witches Weighhouse) and Haarzuilens (The Haar Castle).

Schoonhoven

A visit to Schoonhoven is an introduction to the rich past of the ancient, traditional art of the silversmith. The silver walk will introduce you to the silver of Schoonhoven. The walk (approx. 1 hours) leads past the main sights and monuments of the city.  Silver objects made in past and present times are exhibited in the National Gold, Silver and Clock Museum. In the museum’s clock room you can find everything about the development of timekeeping through the ages. At the “Edelambachtshuys”, located in a former synagogue, you can enjoy antique Schoonhoven silver from the 16th century in the museum gallery, a silversmith and a collection of silver jewellery and utensils from home and abroad. In Schoonhoven there are more than 20 galleries and silver shops. A nice idea is to follow a workshop (the silversmith), where you can create your own silver jewellery.  For more information about Schoonhoven, visit: www.vvvschoonhoven.nl

Oudewater

Much of Oudewater's city centre is on the register of monuments. The Witches Weighhouse is located in the historic centre. The historical building now serves as a museum. Visitors can see an audiovisual presentation and exhibition about witch hunting and can be weight on the original scales. Do you know whether you are a witch or too light for flying on a broomstick? Find out if you are a witch or not and take place on the original scales dating from 1482. Visit www.heksenwaag.nl for more information about the Witches Weighhouse.

Haarzuilens

The Haar Castle is the largest and most picturesque castle in the Netherlands. There’s a guided castle tour, and all year round, there are all kinds of activities at the castle. The Haar castle, park and gardens are definitely worth a visit! For more information, visit: www.kasteeldehaar.nl