The island of Dordrecht
A trip out of town in search of refreshing green? The Biesbosch National Park is in easy reach. With their ancient trees, ponds and borders, the parks and gardens in the city also give you the outdoor feeling.
Naturally: De Biesbosch
The Biesbosch National Park is an extensive freshwater tidal area that is within easy and fast reach of Dordrecht. These unique wetlands arose after a natural disaster. In 1421, the St. Elisabeth flood inundated the land around Dordrecht. Due to the influence of high and low tides, in the centuries that followed a rugged natural area arose, with osier and reed beds and meandering creeks. The Hollandse Biesbosch, on the island of Dordrecht, is part of the National Park.
Holland's jungle
In the Biesbosch you can sail, walk, ride a bike, picnic and discover nature. The Biesbosch centre Dordrecht is the starting point for sailing and walking excursions. Would you like to take to the water on your own? You can rent rowing boats, canoes and electric whisper boats. A solar-energy-powered ferry sails between the Biesbosch centre and the Griendmuseumpad, where you can go for a relaxing nature walk. Navigating through the creeks you can imagine yourself in an adventurous Holland jungle!
De Elzen
You can walk, play and even swim to your heart's content in the Elzen forest on the southern part of the island. It has walking, cycling and bridle paths, a wood in which children can play, the cultural historic museum Twintighoeven and a natural swimming pool near the De Viersprong pavilion. The adjacent Nieuwe Dordtse Biesbosch is a newly developed nature and recreational reserve. The Tongplaat is open to the river and attracts many water birds.
Green in the city
Two city parks have been created on former country estates: the Merwesteinpark and the Weizigtpark. The landscaped gardens and city farm of the Duurzaamheidscentrum Weizigt [sustainability centre] are freely accessible during the day. The Wantijpark is the largest city park. It has ponds, pastures, footpaths and a large playing field. Close to this park are the vegetable, herb and ornamental gardens of Villa Augustus, which are open to the public.
Strolling along the river
Between the Oosthaven and Zuidhaven, an adventurous path winds through the osier and reed beds and the willow thickets along the banks of the Nieuwe Merwede river. Strong shoes are certainly required to explore this area of the Dordrecht Biesbosch. At the Kop van 't Land, you can take a ferry to the Brabant side of the Biesbosch National Park.