Woudrichem: Fortress, Mill and River Fishing

Woudrichem combines fortress history with a long tradition of river fishing. For your travel plans, there are several areas of focus: preserved gates and mills, the history of fishing, or routes involving ferry crossings. Some of these themes are located right in the historic fortified town; the Vestingdriehoek broadens the view to include other fortresses in three provinces.

Buildings of the fortified town

Woudrichem Fortress was designated a protected townscape in 1972. The Gevangenpoort is one of five preserved gates dating from the 15th century. The Martinustoren tower is 34 metres high and has 196 steps. These features therefore offer different points of interest: for the Gevangenpoort, its status among the preserved gates; for the Martinustoren, its height and number of steps. These details provide concrete points of reference if you are interested in architectural history during your stay. The timeline ranges from the 15th-century gates, through the fortress’s designation as a protected townscape in 1972, to the official opening of the rebuilt mill in 1996. This makes it possible to view construction dates, protected status and reconstruction as distinct historical aspects.

The Nooit Gedagt grain mill is also connected with the fortress complex: it has always stood on the town wall. The rebuilt mill was officially opened on 31 May 1996. Its location and opening date mark two different aspects: its enduring position on the wall and its official opening after reconstruction.

Traces of river fishing

Woudrichem has held fishing rights for six centuries. The Visserij- en Cultuurhistorisch Museum displays a collection on the history of river fishing in Woudrichem. The old Visafslag Woudrichem is also part of this theme: it is located just inside the town gate and was once the centre of local fishing.

During the Festival Weekend around Ascension Day, fish-frying championships are held in Woudrichem Fortress. The festival is one of the town’s recurring fishing-related activities. If you would like to plan your trip around it, check the specific event dates.

Routes on foot and by ferry

The Dokter-Tinus Route runs on foot through the historic fortified town and past locations familiar from the television series. Other routes can also be distinguished by their waterways crossings: Rondje Woudrichem includes a ferry crossing over the Waal, while the walking and sailing route crosses the Merwede twice.

The Vestingdriehoek as a wider setting

The Vestingdriehoek is the area between the fortresses of Gorinchem, Woudrichem and Zaltbommel, Slot Loevestein and Fort Vuren. With the ferries, five fortresses in three provinces can be visited in one day. This extends travel planning beyond the town’s buildings and routes. If you would like to include several fortresses, check the ferry timetable for your specific travel dates.

For the broader travel overview: Woudrichem.