Hollandse IJsselpad

The Hollandse IJsselpad in a new look.

From Station Nieuwegein-Zuid to Station Capelse Brug. 68.2 km

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information routesinUtrecht.nl:

Multi-day walking tour

The Hollandse IJsselpad is a beautiful, multi-day, walking tour through the Green Heart. The tour leads via the medieval towns of IJsselstein, Montfoort, Oudewater to Gouda and runs as far as Krimpen aan den IJssel. Between these cities you will find the beautiful nature of the Green Heart.

Towpaths

The route largely follows old towpaths, goes through authentic farm landscapes and bird-rich nature reserves. Relive the ancient history and get to know the Green Heart today, with the cozy terraces, interesting museums and delicious country shops.

Information Tevoetonline.nl:

The Hollandse IJsselpad is a beautiful, multi-day walking tour through the Green Heart. The tour leads via the medieval towns of IJsselstein, Montfoort, Oudewater to Gouda. Between these cities you will find the beautiful nature of the Green Heart.

The route largely follows old towpaths, goes through authentic farm landscapes and bird-rich nature reserves. Relive the ancient history and get to know the Green Heart today, with the cozy terraces, interesting museums and delicious country shops.

Hollandse IJssel

The Hollandse IJssel was around the year 1,200 a tributary of the Lek that started at Het Klaphek, IJsselstein. The settlements of IJsselstein, Montfoort, Oudewater and Gouda were located on the Hollandse IJssel. The population at that time lived mainly from fishing, brickyard, basketry, rope butchery, beer brewery and trade and rivers were the best way to transport goods and people. Thanks to their favorable location on the water, the settlements grew into cities.

Korenmolen De Windotter in IJsselstein © photo Marco Roeling

IJsselstein – Walk from Het Klaphek to IJsselstein - 5 km

The first stage of the Hollandse IJsselpad starts at the Klaphek in IJsselstein. You walk through the countryside and part of Nieuwegein to IJsselstein. Via the IJsselpoort you enter the city center of this more than 700-year-old fortified city. An absolute must when visiting IJsselstein is the Museum IJsselstein where old and new stories are told. Through the Museum it is also possible to visit the 16th-century castle tower. Then walk through the historic center where you will find cozy restaurants. A visit to Korenmolen de Windotter and the mill shop cannot be missed.

Montfoort – walk from IJsselstein to Montfoort - 5.1 mi / 10.5 km

The second stage goes from IJsselstein to Montfoort. During this stage you follow for a large part an old towpath along the Hollandse IJssel. This stage ends at the Castle Square in Montfoort. You will find beautiful monumental buildings where you can enjoy culinary delights nowadays, such as the former town hall that forms one whole with the old IJsselpoort. This old town hall was built in 1375 and is one of the oldest town halls in the Netherlands. And stroll 'Onder de Boompjes' along the Hollandse IJssel in the old town.

The IJsselpoort © photo Folker Waardenburg

Oudewater – walk from Montfoort to Oudewater 11 km

The Hollandse IJsselpad leaves the Hollandse IJssel between Montfoort and Oudewater and leads through the bird-rich nature reserve Willeskop. Tip: climb the watchtower on the Noordzijdse Kade and enjoy the view over the Lopikerwaard. This stage ends in Oudewater, the oldest town in the Green Heart. The city has a glorious history that can be seen in the beautiful monumental city center. World famous in Oudewater is of course the Heksenwaag, where no one has ever been condemned as a witch, but also the Rope Museum should certainly not be missed when visiting.

Gouda – walk from Oudewater to Gouda - 5.1 mi / 10.5 km

Between Oudewater and Gouda you walk through forgotten floodplains. The Hollandse IJssel is still a 'real' river between Oudewater and Hekendorp with summer quays, floodplains and winter dikes. Along the way you will pass the Goejanverwellesluis, built in 1366 to keep the polders dry. This lock is best known for the arrest of Wilhelmina of Prussia in 1787 during which she was held in the farm next to the lock. The route then goes via Haastrecht to Gouda, known for its cheese market. The Museum Gouda and the town hall are also worth a visit.

The centre of Oudewater

The Hollandse IJsselpad will be completely revised in the winter of 2021/2022. With clear signage and beautiful circular walks near the cities, the Hollandse IJsselpad is included in the walking network as a beautiful icon route.

The route to Gouda is a total of 37 km long, but divided into 4 shorter stages. If necessary, the route can be extended to Krimpen aan den IJssel. The route from Gouda to Krimpen aan den IJssel is 25 km. At the beginning of each stage you will find a parking space or public transport. Tip: park your car at the end point and be taken to the starting point. The route fully follows the walking network in the Green Heart.