View of the Evert Stok Bridge

View of the Evert Stok Bridge

Next to you is a new 'shopping dock.' Such shopping docks have been created in several places along the Vecht. Water recreationists can dock here to shop, visit one of the many cozy eateries, or stroll through the beautiful historic Maarssen. In the past, mainly commercial shipping docked along the village's wharves. This is clearly visible in this photo from 1910. Many skippers lived along this canal, hence the name. This is in contrast to the Herengracht on the opposite side, where the larger and more expensive houses for the 'gentlemen' stood.

On the opposite side of the water, you can see long white poles in the photo. These are rolling poles. There were dozens of them along the bends of the Vecht. The rope of the horse-drawn barge could be guided along here so that the bow of the boat would not be pulled onto the bank. A replica rolling pole stands along the towpath near Doornburgh.

This sign is part of the Then and Now walk along the most remarkable places and buildings of Maarssen. The images from the past are arranged so that you see the current situation from the same perspective as the photographer or artist of that time.

Route: Turn onto Bolensteinseweg behind you, past the white facade. Take the first left, across from Ridderhofstad Bolenstein, until you reach Harmonieweg.

ZichtopdeVechtstreek