Dating back centuries, this Dutch city sits at the meeting point of three rivers. Its 16th-century Old Town occupies the mainland, while other districts spread across small islands.
Dordrecht, the oldest city in Holland, sits at the meeting point of five rivers. In the medieval center, you can climb the Grote Kerk's 65-meter tower for city views, ring one of its 67 bells, or step inside the 13th-century Augustijnenkerk where Dutch independence began. Walk through quiet courtyards from the 1500s, or take a boat trip through the city's winding waterways past houses built directly over the water.
Exploring the Medieval Center
The 1,200-meter Voorstraat runs through the heart of old Dordrecht, lined with merchant houses from the 1600s and 1700s. Look up to spot detailed facades with carved door knockers - many shaped as lions, dragons, and mythical creatures. At the street's northern end, you'll find the Groothoofdspoort, a medieval city gate with two stone griffins holding the city's coat of arms.
Churches and Architecture
The Grote Kerk's 65-meter tower leans slightly due to the soft ground beneath. Inside, you can examine the detailed wooden choir stalls and see the Netherlands' heaviest church bell, weighing 9,830 kilos. The Nieuwkerk dates back to 1175, making it Dordrecht's oldest building. In the Augustijnenkerk complex, you can visit the monastery room where the First Assembly of Free States marked the beginning of Dutch independence in 1572.
Harbor Life
The city's network of harbors dates from the 13th century, when ships brought wood, grain, and wine to trade. Take an electric boat tour through these inner harbors to pass under bridges and alongside former warehouses. In the Wolwevershaven area, stop to see the Schroevendok Straatman, a preserved ship lift that once helped maintain trading vessels.
De Biesbosch National Park
De Biesbosch spans 8,000 hectares of freshwater tidal wetlands just outside the city. Rent a canoe to paddle through narrow waterways, or cycle along marked paths between the islands. Look for beavers, spoonbills, and sea eagles, which nest in the park's willow forests. The park has multiple hiking trails ranging from 2 to 15 kilometers.
Markets and Events
The Christmas market spreads through the city center each December, becoming the Netherlands' largest. During the biennial Dordt in Stoom festival, you can see and ride working steam engines, from locomotives to boats. The summer book market fills the harbors with thousands of books, making it the country's second-largest book fair.
Getting Around
Trains connect Rotterdam to Dordrecht in 15 minutes. From Dordrecht station, walk 20 minutes to reach the medieval center, or take local buses. The narrow streets make walking the best way to explore the old town. Water buses run between Dordrecht, Rotterdam, and the Kinderdijk windmills.
