Prisca Visser is a photographer with a love of the outdoors and nature. For the Biesbosch Line, she regularly goes out to capture stories. This time she explores Woudrichem. She takes a look at the sailing heritage, climbs the Martinus tower and gets a tour with a city guide, has lunch in a casemate and discovers the nicest stores.
Surrounded by the strong currents of three rivers, the medieval town of Woudrichem has been there for decades. I regularly take the ferry from Gorinchem to quickly cycle through the fortified town. Arriving by ferry at Woudrichem is a treat every time. Whether it is foggy or the sun peeks just above the horizon, the houses, old gate and swaying masts are impressive every time. This time I take the whole afternoon to see Woudrichem for myself.
Just outside the ramparts you will find the historic harbor where I make a start. This harbor existed hundreds of years ago, but it became silted up. As we sought more room for the river in the 1990s, the plan arose to restore the historic harbor. In 1998, Woudrichem's harbor was completed. Now there are beautiful old ships that you can see up close. From the ferry I walk along the Rijkswal. A footpath has been carved out in the high grass. Here I stand high above the harbor with my back turned to the houses. There is a punishing wind; I can hear it whistling through the rigging of the masts. Four, five, six, I count at least ten ships below me. Further to the left, the small salmon smacks are neatly moored in a row.
The weather is stormy today, the waves creating a nice swell. These ships are the sailing heritage and pride of the historic harbor. Almost all are inhabited, a few have been moored in Woudrichem's harbor since its opening. Once down you walk past museum shipyard D'n Huig. In the shipyard barn is a workshop that you can view. Fully equipped as it used to be, definitely worth a visit. A few dozen meters further on you can walk along the historic ships. On the quay are signs with a piece of history about the ship. Some are over 100 years old and still in use! One of them even suffered considerable damage to the hull during the war, which I can still clearly see.
Blown out, I walk back to the "Woerkum" within the city walls. It is striking how green it is here. Small front gardens are neatly tended. Hydrangeas dominate with their deep pink colors and increase the picturesque atmosphere in the narrow streets. Facades lean against each other at an angle, the red brick still glistening after a rain shower.
If you really want to explore the city properly, you can do so with a city guide. Woudrichem has a real city guides guild! This group of people tell everything about their beloved city from their passion and expertise. I agreed to meet Peter, a city guide at heart, at the St. Martinus Church. Together we first start the climb of the Martinus tower and then walk a round through Woudrichem. Peter is a born Woerkummer and talks non-stop along the way.
Opposite the church is the Fisheries Museum located in the former Arsenal. Much can still be found in Woudrichem about the town's fishing history. Just look at the street names "Spieringstraat, Vissersdijk. At Peter's birthplace we make a somewhat longer stop. A monastery used to stand here. The gate and part of the wall are now part of the house next door. Something you walk right past if you're not familiar with the place. That's the great thing about hiking with a local guide, you discover all the hidden stories!
Back at the church we say our goodbyes and I start looking for a place for lunch. Hidden in a former casemate is Brasserie Zus. When I step over the threshold, the first thing I see is a large display case with all kinds of cake. I definitely want to try some of this later. Inside it is cozy, the arched vaults and soft light make you feel as if you have landed abroad. Everything here breathes history. Since it is already pleasantly crowded inside, I choose a sheltered spot on the terrace. I fall for the thick sandwiches with a spicy meatball and then of course the cake, a delicious lemon merengue variety. Esther is the owner and is kind enough to join me for a moment. She talks about her love for creating delicious dishes. Everything on the menu is homemade and you can taste that!
The delicious meal provides energy for a final lap around town. Just above Brasserie Zus you will find mill Nooit Gedagt. Here you can shop your heart out for fresh baked goods. In good weather, you can climb to the top and get a great view of the city. Are you done with sightseeing by now? Woudrichem offers plenty of great stores to end the afternoon with a round of shopping.
At bookstore Aunt Bethje, I can amuse myself picking out a great book for the vacations. Will it be a novel or will I go for a book about history? Every time I come across books here that I can't find anywhere else. Across the street is a store selling all kinds of sewing and knitting supplies. Outside, beautiful pieces of fabric are displayed and there is a basket of handmade pouches for sale. Unique and a nice souvenir to take home. You also support local entrepreneurs with it. Fair van Ver is just a few doors down, where you can find fair trade products and shop fun gift items.
The tourist office is located in the same building by the way. They will gladly give you booklets with routes in the area. Widely known is 'Oude Liefde', the next fun stop. Housed in an old building of several floors, you will not get bored with all the antiques and nice trinkets. I bet you won't leave empty-handed. If you like art, there is a studio on the same street. Galerie Johanna hosts artist exhibitions and is herself a gifted artist.
In short, Woudrichem is not to be underestimated versatile. From sniffing culture to good food and shopping. Something for everyone! It seems like a nice idea to combine a visit with, for example Slot Loevestein. With a small foot ferry you sail from Woudrichem to the castle on the other side. Much cozier than by car right! More ears for city hopping, then make a round trip with the ferry from Woudrichem to Gorinchem. The fact that it is at least fifteen minutes sailing is a nice bonus!
Like Prisca, would you like to explore Woudrichem? Below you will find all the links.
- Historic City Harbor Foundation
- City Guides Guild
- Fisheries Museum
- Brasserie Zus
- Korenmolen Nooit Gedagt
- Bookstore Aunt Bethje
- Sewing Workshop Snuffle
- World Store Fair from afar
- Oude Liefde
- DOCK 60
- Galerie Mikst Media
- Slot Loevestein
- Riveer
Text and photos: www.priscavisser.nl. Here you will find all of Prisca's blogs.