Leerdam: Glass Art, Architectural History and Routes

Leerdam is situated on the Linge and offers three clearly distinguishable highlights for your trip: glass, architectural history, and walking and cycling routes. If you are looking for a hotel in Leerdam, these themes can help you decide whether cultural attractions or trails should be the focus of your stay.

Glass in the Collection and Workshop

The Nationaal Glasmuseum showcases Leerdam’s glassmaking tradition in an extensive collection. More than 60 percent of it consists of decorative art products from N.V. Glasfabriek Leerdam, dating from 1878 to the present day. The composition of the collection may change. It is on permanent display in the Transparant Depot.

The Glasblazerij offers a different perspective on glassmaking. It is located in a former timber shed on the Zuidwal in the center of Leerdam and is part of the Nationaal Glasmuseum. Visitors can watch glassblowers at work there. The Leerdam Glass Route runs from the Nationaal Glasmuseum via the Zuidwal to the Glasblazerij; the walk takes about 20 minutes. Along the way, the route offers views of the Linge and passes various glass-related sights. As route conditions may change, check them before setting out for your walk.

The glass ornaments for Glasstad Leerdam are also part of the glass theme: visual artist Han Goan Liem designed them in 1995; they are made of colored glass and neon.

Buildings and Historical Connections

The Grote Kerk van Leerdam is the oldest building in the city. On the Zuidwal, the old city wall meets the Linge; this is where the most important surviving remains of the fortifications are located. The city wall is a monument.

A distinctive architectural detail can be seen on the lower section of the Molen Ter Leede tower. It is clad in horizontally boarded, black-tarred planks and is considered the only surviving example of its kind in the region. Compared with the city wall and church, the focus here is especially on the tower’s construction.

The Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden stands on the site of Leerdam’s former castle. The museum houses a collection of 17th-century Dutch Masters, including a work by Frans Hals. The collection may change when works are loaned or relocated. Architecturally, the hofje combines 18th-century Dutch solidity with French elegance and a touch of Rococo. Leerdam’s different historical connections thus sit side by side: the former castle site, the art collection and distinctive architectural forms.

Walking Routes and Getting Around

The 16.7-kilometer walking route along the Linge passes through old towns such as Leerdam and Asperen and runs through the dike landscape. The Rondje Leerdam takes you through the city and its green surroundings; along the way, it passes the natural areas of Grote Wielsloot and Recht van ter Leede. The two routes offer different highlights: the Linge walking route is defined by its length and passage through old towns, while the Rondje focuses on green surroundings and natural areas.

TOP Leerdam is a starting point for walking, cycling or boating. There is an information board with a map of the area’s recreational route networks; parking is generally available in sufficient quantities. The Lingeroute follows the cycling junction network. If you are planning to cycle, this information offers guidance on the route.

Getting There and Weekly Market

Leerdam can be reached by bus from Utrecht and Gorinchem. The railway station has train connections towards Dordrecht and Geldermalsen. Check the latest timetables before you travel.

A weekly market takes place on Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Westwal and Kerkstraat. As market hours may change, check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Leerdam, Kedichem, Oosterwijk.

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