Tour of Leerdam and Merckenburg Castle

Your route starts at De Houtloods Leerdam, right next to the Glass Museum. Glass city Leerdam was founded in 1143 and was then called'Ter leeden. Leerdam obtained city rights in 1382 from the Lord of Arkel and again in 1407, from Willem IV of Holland. In the eighteenth century, the wood and glass industry took off and the town became prosperous. The rich history of Leerdam is still clearly visible in the old buildings, such as the Grote Kerk, the museum het Hofje van Mevrouw van Aerden and the remaining city walls, which have been restored. It is not only the glassblowers that give Leerdam fame, Leerdammer cheese has also become a well-known product. For example, near Heukelum you pass Kasteel Merckenburg, which originally dates from the thirteenth century. The current building was built around 1700.