Simonshaven: Nature, Trails and Local History

Simonshaven is located by the Bernisse nature and recreation area. If you are looking for a hotel in Simonshaven, you can tailor your trip to different interests: the water and polder landscape, a hike, local history or activities for children. The attractions range from a single historic building to an extensive natural area.

Bernisse and the polder landscape

The De Bernisse recreation area is seven kilometres long and covers 300 hectares of lakes, ponds, woodland, wetland and pasture. This mix brings together bodies of water with wooded and open landscape. Nearby, the Biertpad trail runs through the centuries-old Biert Polder. Grass dikes and the remains of tidal creeks recall water management and land reclamation. Hiking here also brings the history of how this landscape was shaped to life.

Hiking with a seasonal restriction

The Biertpad hiking trail starts and ends at Schuddebeursedijk in Simonshaven. It is 12.4 kilometres long, and takes about 2 hours and 29 minutes to walk. A section through the Biert Polder is inaccessible during the breeding season, as the polder serves as a bird sanctuary. Take this seasonal restriction into account when planning your trip. You can check the route details locally before your visit.

A cycling tour offers a different way to explore the area and takes a different amount of time: the “Historische Haventjes Nissewaard” route is 40 kilometres long and takes about 2 hours and 52 minutes. It includes a jetty at Simonshaven’s former harbour. This gives you two different routes to choose from: a 12.4-kilometre hike and a 40-kilometre cycle ride. The estimated times can help you factor these options into your plans.

Church, harbour and history

The Witte Kerkje is a so-called Waterstaatskerk, a church built under the supervision of the Dutch public works authority. It stands on the foundations of the former church, which burned down, and was officially opened in 1854. Children from Year 6 onwards can visit the Witte Kerkje by appointment. They learn more about the church, the cemetery, the history of Simonshaven and what takes place in the church.

Simonshaven’s former harbour developed as a natural harbour on the Bernisse after the ring dike was built in 1305. Another way to explore the town’s history is the “Bernisse Toen en Nu – Simonshaven” 3D experience point. It is located on the Ring, near house number 42. Visitors can use a QR code to experience Simonshaven as it was around 1400. The church, former harbour and digital reconstruction illuminate the past from different angles: through a historic building, a former harbour function and a changed townscape.

Beach and activities for children

Bernisse Simonshaven Beach has two sandy beaches on the Stompaardseplas, with an adjoining sunbathing lawn. The smaller southern beach is intended for young children and is separated by a swimming line. Beverbos nature playground offers a treasure hunt that is particularly suitable for children up to and including the age of eight. You can choose between a visit to the sandy beach and a playful treasure hunt.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Oudenhoorn, Abbenbroek, Heenvliet, Zuidland.

Return to the main travel overview: Bernisse.