Lekkerkerk

Lekkerkerk is a long, narrow dike village, shaped by its orientation toward the river and its large, predominantly agricultural areas. The village’s history offers several distinct themes: the Dorpskerk in the historic part of the village, the Muur van Lekkerkerk, farmhouses along the Lekdijk and the landscape around Bakkerswaal. You can choose Lekkerkerk as a destination based on the interests you would like to shape your stay.

Landscape and birdwatching at Bakkerswaal

The Eendenkooi Bakkerswaal near Lekkerkerk covers 22 hectares and is the largest duck decoy still in use in the Netherlands. It formed during the great St. Elizabeth’s flood of 1421 as a kolk created by a dike breach. Its size and origins tell two different stories about the area: the 22 hectares describe its extent, while the flood is part of its landscape history. Check the duck decoy’s operating details before visiting.

At the foot of the Lekdijk, there is a birdwatching spot by the Eendenkooi, with wide views over the Kooiplas. A public footpath also runs north of Bakkerswaal. The birdwatching spot and the path offer different perspectives: from the spot, the view over the Kooiplas takes center stage; on the path, you can explore the area on foot.

Church and history by the river

The Dorpskerk on Kerkplein is in the historic part of Lekkerkerk and dates from the 13th century. It is a Rijksmonument, a listed national heritage site, and is of great historical value. Its history also includes a turning point: in 1575, the Spanish burned down the church and the entire village. It took 40 years for a church building to be usable again. The long rebuilding period provides another historical point of reference for the church’s early origins.

The Muur van Lekkerkerk tells the story of dike protection and everyday life by the river. After dike breaches in January and February 1760, the historic wall was replaced with a wall made of IJssel bricks. Its steps were used to fetch water from the Lek for washing and to fish in the river. Ships were unloaded through its openings to supply local shops and businesses. The wall thus brings together building history and specific former uses of the riverbank.

Farmhouses and former livelihoods

Along the Lekdijk stand handsome farmhouses dating from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in Opperduit. The farmhouses therefore span three different centuries; Opperduit is the particular part of the village noted for this historic architecture. The Roest family’s ropewalk is also part of Lekkerkerk’s history. It was one of the best-known ropewalks in the Krimpenerwaard.

For centuries, agriculture, salmon fishing on the Lek, shipping and shipbuilding also shaped the village. Together with the farmhouses, these activities point to the importance of the land and river to people’s former livelihoods. This gives you a broader picture when choosing a destination than just the church or landscape: in Lekkerkerk, architectural history, craftsmanship and the river economy come together as distinct historical themes.

Getting there by bus

Bus route 292 connects Capelsebrug in Rotterdam with Lekkerkerk and stops in the village center. If you are planning to travel by bus, check the current timetable before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Krimpen aan de Lek.

Go to the main travel overview: Nederlek.