Things To Do
in Oud-Beijerland

Oud-Beijerland is a compact Dutch town on the Hoeksche Waard, where waterways, green dikes, and a historic town center shape a calm, cycle-friendly atmosphere. It blends rural charm with easy access to Rotterdam, Dordrecht, and the surrounding nature reserves. The town hosts a traditional weekly market, cozy cafes, and family-friendly attractions that appeal to both locals and visitors.

With its relaxed pace and scenic routes, Oud-Beijerland makes a convenient base for exploring South Holland.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a quaint café in the heart of Oud-Beijerland, enjoying fresh pastries and locally brewed coffee. Afterward, embark on a walking tour of the historic center, marveling at the charming architecture and vibrant streets. Don’t miss the opportunities to capture beautiful photographs of the iconic Dutch buildings that define the town's heritage.

afternoon
:

Visit the St. John's Church, where you can admire its stunning stained-glass windows and learn about its rich history. Following your church visit, explore the nearby shops and boutiques for unique souvenirs and local crafts. Grab a light lunch at a nearby eatery, savoring traditional Dutch dishes like broodje haring or kaas.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for a delightful dinner featuring fresh seafood from the nearby waters. After dining, take a peaceful stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the tranquil views of the river and the sound of lapping water. Conclude your evening with a visit to a cozy pub, where you can enjoy a local beer and engage with friendly locals.

day 2
Biking Through Scenic Countryside
morning
:

Rent a bike and set off on a scenic ride through the picturesque countryside surrounding Oud-Beijerland, where you can enjoy the fresh air and stunning landscapes. Stop at various farm stands along the route to sample fresh fruits and homemade jams. The morning sun illuminates the fields, creating a perfect backdrop for your cycling adventure.

afternoon
:

Continue your biking journey to the nearby nature reserves, where you can explore well-marked trails and watch for local wildlife. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of the beautiful parks, surrounded by the serene sounds of nature. After lunch, visit the nearby windmills that dot the landscape, learning about their historical significance and the role they played in Dutch culture.

evening
:

Return to Oud-Beijerland and freshen up before heading out for dinner. Choose a restaurant that specializes in traditional Dutch cuisine, perhaps trying dishes like stroopwafels or poffertjes for dessert. Wind down your evening with a bike ride through the town, admiring the lights and atmosphere as locals gather in the squares.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in cafe$3-5
🥖Lunch staples (sandwich, snack)$4-8
🚌One-way public transit ticket$3-4
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$90-140

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Easy to explore on foot or by bike
  • Close to Rotterdam and other Zuid-Holland highlights
  • Quiet town with scenic waterways and markets
  • Good value for a South Holland base
  • Limited nightlife and international dining variety in town
  • Public transport is solid but not as frequent as bigger cities
  • Some attractions may require day trips to nearby towns
  • "Hallo" - Hello
  • "Goedemorgen / Goedemiddag" - Good morning / Good afternoon
  • "Dank u wel" - Thank you
  • "Alstublieft" - Please / Here you go
  • "Spreekt u Engels?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Waar is het toilet?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Hoeveel kost dit?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Ik begrijp het niet" - I don't understand
  • "Kunt u mij helpen?" - Can you help me?
  • "Hoe laat is het?" - What time is it?

Places to Visit in Oud-Beijerland

Visit one of these nice places.

Marktplein (Market Square)

The heart of the town with historic buildings and charming canal-side views, especially picturesque during market days and sunset.

Oude Maas Canal Edges

Scenic waterway vistas along the town’s canal network, ideal for wide-angle landscape shots and reflections at golden hour.

Harbor Terrace and Marina

Harbor-side vantage points offering colorful boats, water activity, and peaceful shoreline scenes.

Dike and Polder Paths

Rural bike and walking routes along dikes with expansive skies and farmland silhouettes—great for panoramic photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Oud-Beijerland

Dutch regional flavors meet fresh river and agricultural produce around Oud-Beijerland. Expect hearty, simple dishes, seafood when available, and plenty of tasty bakery and dairy options. In town, you’ll find cozy cafés, casual bistros, and market stalls offering seasonal snacks and local specialties.

Oud-Beijerland Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kibbeling with remoulade

Crispy battered chunks of cod or fish fillet served with remoulade, commonly found at seafood stalls and casual eateries.

Must-Try!

Stamppot met rookworst

A traditional potato mash dish often served with smoked sausage; a comforting staple in Dutch homes and casual eateries.

Maatjesharing (herring)

Fresh raw herring typically offered with onions and pickles; a classic Dutch street-food option during warmer months.

Pannenkoeken (Dutch pancakes)

Fluffy, large pancakes that can be topped with sweet or savory options, commonly found in local cafés and pancake houses.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Weekly Market (Marktplein)

A traditional town market where you can buy fresh vegetables, cheese, fish, baked goods, and seasonal treats on market days.

Local Produce Stands

Seasonal produce stalls along the town’s streets offering fresh fruit, vegetables, and dairy products from regional farms.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool winters. Rain is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, so packing a lightweight rain jacket is wise. Spring and autumn are often pleasant for outdoor activities, while summer can bring warm days with some humidity.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality and greeting

Be punctual for appointments and greet with a simple 'Goedemorgen / Goedemiddag' (good morning/afternoon).

Direct but polite communication

Directness is common in conversation; maintain politeness and use 'alstublieft' (please) and 'dank u wel' (thank you).

Bicycle etiquette

Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks when requested; use bike lanes where available and signal turns clearly.

Safety Guide

Safety

Oud-Beijerland is generally very safe with low crime rates. Standard travel safety applies: watch your belongings in busy markets, stay aware near water, and use well-lit areas at night. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112 in case of incidents.

Tipping in Oud-Beijerland

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in cafés and restaurants.

Payment Methods

Card payments (PIN or contactless) are widely accepted; cash is still used in small markets and some shops. Mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are increasingly common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Gentle temperatures with blooming landscapes; ideal for canal and market photography; occasional showers.

Summer

Warm days with long daylight hours (extended golden hours); pleasant for outdoor dining and waterfront strolls; chance of rain showers.

Autumn

Milder days with colorful foliage along the dikes and in parks; bring layers for cooler mornings and evenings.

Winter

Cool to cold with shorter days; occasional frost or light snow; indoors activities and cozy cafés become appealing.

Nightlife Guide

Oud-Beijerland at Night

Oud-Beijerland’s nightlife centers on relaxed pubs, cafés, and waterfront terraces. Expect casual venues with local beers, occasional live music, and seasonal outdoor seating. For more nightlife options, residents commonly travel to nearby Rotterdam or Dordrecht, which offer clubs, bars, and a broader mix of international dining.

Hiking in Oud-Beijerland

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hoeksche Waard nature trails

Extensive network of flat, scenic trails through farmland, wetlands, and along water channels ideal for walking and birdwatching.

Oude Maas riverbank walks

Relaxed hiking routes along the river with open views and seasonal wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Oud-Beijerland by plane.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport (RTM)

Closest airport, with short travel times to Oud-Beijerland by car or public transit; convenient for short trips within Europe.

Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

Major international hub located about an hour or more away by train or car; easy to reach for long-haul travel and international connections.

Eindhoven Airport (EIN)

Mid-sized airport with several European connections; accessible via road or rail through southern Netherlands.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most amenities within a short stroll. Bike-friendly streets and scenic canal paths make cycling a practical way to get around. Outlying rural areas are best reached by bike or car, but core sights are easily accessible on foot.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families and commuters

A family-friendly community with many residents commuting to larger cities for work.

Local Dutch residents

Predominantly Dutch with small communities of other EU nationals and immigrant families; diverse but cohesive town culture.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Cycling

Widely practiced across the region; flat terrain and scenic routes make it a popular way to get around and explore.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and casual play common in parks and community fields.

Rowing and boating

Canals and nearby rivers provide opportunities for rowing, paddling, and small boats during warmer months.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally smooth in town, with well-maintained roads and bike lanes. Public transport includes buses with connections to Rotterdam, Dordrecht, and other Zuid-Holland towns. In peak hours, some routes can experience mild congestion, but driving is usually straightforward outside major urban corridors.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Oud-Beijerland.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available in most cafés and casual restaurants. Look for cheese, egg dishes, veggie pastas, and salads; ask for meat-free broths and sauces when ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is accessible via local GPs and pharmacies in Oud-Beijerland, with hospitals and more specialized care available in nearby Dordrecht, Spijkenisse, and Rotterdam. For emergencies, call 112. Health insurance coverage and standard Dutch care apply as usual.

Discover Netherlands

Read more in our Netherlands 2025 Travel Guide.

Netherlands Travel Guide