Literary route

You can start the Literary route at TOP Klein Profijt.

Directly at the TOP and the Klein Proijt visitor center is the De Staart nature reserve with Scottish Highlanders and Konik horses and the freshwater tidal area of the Oude Maas. After half an hour of walking you will arrive in the historic center of the port 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 meandering dikes. With characteristic villages, monumental buildings and marinas.

Near TOP Klein Profijt there is also the Hoeksche Waard air war monument in memory of the Dutch and Allied air crews who fell 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 stainless steel panels with the names of the killed crews. The metal plate shows a cut-out of a B24 bomber escorted by fighter planes (spitfires).

Tip 1: Klein Profijt visitor center
Klein Profijt is one of the two visitor centers of the Hoekschewaards Landschap association. The visitor center, 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 center, shop and the tourist agency. The visitor center has a cozy catering facility with an outdoor terrace, beautifully situated on the Oude Maas river. And in cold weather you can enjoy your drink by the warmth of the fireplace.
Visitor center address: Zalmpad 11, Oud-Beijerland. Phone: 0186-621888. Internet: www.hwl.nl

Tip 2: De Staart nature reserve and the Oude Maas
In the immediate vicinity of the visitor center there are various walking options through the typical and unique tidal nature. The tide (freshwater) still largely determines what the landscape outside the dike looks like. Walking along the Oude Maas or across the De Staart nature reserve, you can fully enjoy birds, butterflies and large grazers (highlanders and Konik horses). And unprecedented tranquility so close to the Randstad.
The Oude Maas, one of the busiest rivers in western Europe, is an example of how nature and activity flow smoothly into each other. Impressively beautiful!

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

Tip 4: Goidschalxoort mill
Mill Goidschalxoort is a so-called ground sailor that is used as a flour mill. It was built in 1718 and was in operation until 1953. The mill then fell into disrepair until 2003, when the Goidschalxoort Mill Complex Foundation was founded. Thanks to the efforts of this foundation, volunteers, the De Hollandsche Molen Association and the BankGiro Lottery, the restoration was finally started in 2008. Grinding has resumed since 2011. You can visit the mill on Saturdays and by appointment on weekdays.
Address: Goidschalxoordsedijk 55, Goidschalxoord. Internet: www.molengst.nl

Tip 5: Museum Hoeksche Waard
Two capital national monuments located next to each other form an attractive historical complex. The Oost-Leeuwenstein mansion and the stately Hof van Assendelft have been renovated and redesigned in recent years and together form the Hoeksche Waard Museum. Met in the museum
you the craftswoman, gentleman farmer, village doctor, craftsman, shopkeeper, farm worker and the school child. The inequality that previously existed for granted between gentlemen and workers and between men and women becomes clear.
Address: Oost-Leeuwenstein Farm. Dorpsstraat 13, Heinenoord. Phone: 0186-601535. Internet: www.museumhw.nl

For more information about the TOP
You can order detailed directions from the tourist office .