Literary route

You can start the Literary Route at TOP Klein Profijt.

Directly at the TOP and the Klein Proijt visitor centre lies the nature reserve De Staart with Scottish Highlanders and Konik horses and the freshwater tidal area of the Oude Maas. After a half hour walk you will arrive at the historic centre of the harbour town of Oud-Beijerland. TOP Klein Profijt is also an ideal starting point for cycling through the national landscape of the Hoeksche Waard. A real Dutch polder landscape with unprecedented views, winding creeks and winding dikes. With characteristic villages, monumental buildings and marinas.

Near TOP Klein Profijt is also the monument of the Hoeksche Waard air war in memory of the Dutch and allied aircrews who died in the Hoeksche Waard in the period 1940 - 1945. The monument consists of a metal plate in the shape of the island of Hoeksche Waard on a pole of approximately six meters and four panels of stainless steel with the names of the deceased crews. In the metal plate is a cut-out of a B24 bomber escorted by fighter planes (spitfires).

Tip 1: Klein Profijt visitor centre
Klein Profijt is one of the two visitor centres of the Hoekschewaards Landschap association. The visitor centre, located in a former salmon fishery, houses permanent and changing exhibitions relating to the flora and fauna of the Hoeksche Waard. You will find a documentation centre, shop and the VVV agency. The visitor centre has a cosy catering facility with an outdoor terrace, beautifully situated on the river Oude Maas. And when the weather is cold, you can enjoy your drink by the warmth of the open fire.
Visitor centre address: Zalmpad 11, Oud-Beijerland. Telephone: 0186-621888. Internet: www.hwl.nl

Tip 2: Nature reserve De Staart and the Oude Maas
In the direct vicinity of the visitors centre there are various walking possibilities through the typical and unique tidal nature. The tide (fresh water) still largely determines here how the landscape outside the dike looks. Walking along the Oude Maas or over the nature area de Staart, you can fully enjoy birds, butterflies and the large grazers (highland cattle and Konik horses). And an unprecedented peace so close to the Randstad.
The Oude Maas, one of the busiest rivers in Western Europe, is an example of how nature and industry flow together. Impressively beautiful!

Tip 3: Historic centre of Oud-Beijerland
Oud-Beijerland is located on the Spui with an attractive marina, cozy restaurants and a varied range of shops.
The history of this place is connected to the reclamation in the 16th century by Count Lamoraal van Egmont. The name Beijerland comes from the wife of the count, Sabina van Beieren. The rich history can be seen in the stately mansions along the harbor.

Tip 4: Goidschalxoort Mill
Goidschalxoort mill is a so-called ground-sailer that is used as a corn mill. It was built in 1718 and was in operation until 1953. After that, the mill fell into disrepair until 2003. Then the Stichting Molencomplex Goidschalxoort was established. Thanks to the efforts of this foundation, volunteers, the Vereniging De Hollandsche Molen and the BankGiro Loterij, the restoration was finally started in 2008. Since 2011, milling has been going on again. You can visit the mill on Saturdays and by appointment on weekdays.
Address: Goidschalxoordsedijk 55, Goidschalxoord. Internet: www.molengst.nl

Tip 5: Hoeksche Waard Museum
Two magnificent national monuments located next to each other form an atmospheric historical complex. The manor farm Oost-Leeuwenstein and the stately Hof van Assendelft have been renovated and refurbished in recent years and together form the Museum Hoeksche Waard. In the museum you will meet
you the craftswoman, the gentleman farmer, the village doctor, the skilled worker, the shopkeeper, the farm laborer and the schoolchild. The inequality that used to exist as a matter of course between gentlemen and laborers and between men and women becomes clear.
Address: Oost-Leeuwenstein Farm. Dorpsstraat 13, Heinenoord. Telephone: 0186-601535. Internet: www.museumhw.nl

For more information about the TOP
You can order a detailed route description from the tourist office .