De Oude Zustertuin👨👩👧 family
A local animal park in Bodegraven offering a family-friendly environment to observe various species.
🌐 deoudezustertuin.nl🕒 oct-mar 09:00-17:00; apr-sep 09:00-20:30
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Bodegraven
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City
ℹ️Practical info — Bodegraven
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit in autumn or spring for the cheese market events, although the local cheese shops are fantastic year-round.
- Parking in this town is usually easier and cheaper than in the nearby, much busier city of Gouda.
- Take a bike route to the nearby Reeuwijkse Plassen (lakes) to enjoy the nature and the many water birds.
- The train station provides excellent and fast connections if you're planning a day trip to Utrecht or Leiden.
🍽 Food
🍽
Farmhouse Cheese (Boerenkaas)
Sample aged farmhouse cheese at one of the specialized, family-run cheese shops right in the center.
🍽
Local Craft Beer
Pair your cheese with a locally brewed beer, often available in cozy local pubs around town.
🍽
Stroopwafels
Though originally from Gouda, you can buy fresh stroopwafels at the weekly market here without the big crowds.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Cheese Shops (Kaaswinkels)
Buy authentic, unpasteurized farmhouse cheese as a great souvenir directly from local purveyors.
🛍
Small Grocers
Explore the independent stores in the center offering regional treats, baked goods, and local specialties.
🧘
Oude Rijn Riverfront
Sit on a bench along the Oude Rijn (Old Rhine) river that flows right through the peaceful village.
🧘
Reeuwijkse Plassen
Just a short bike ride away, this network of lakes is great for a quiet afternoon immersed in nature.
Water temperature…
Bodegraven is a historic town in the province of South Holland, centrally located within the „Green Heart” of the Netherlands on the river Oude Rijn. Its history traces back to the Roman Imperial era when it was part of the Limes, the northern border fortifications of the Roman Empire. Archaeological finds, including Roman coins and pottery, demonstrate its early significance as both a military and civilian outpost. In the 17th century, during the „Year of Disaster” 1672, Bodegraven was almost entirely devastated by French troops, a pivotal event in its municipal history. Today, Bodegraven is primarily renowned for its centuries-old tradition in the cheese trade. The town serves as a vital hub for the storage and export of Gouda cheese, celebrated through its historic Cheese Center and the annual cheese market. The Dorpskerk, with its 16th-century tower, remains the architectural heart of the community. Given its location on the Utrecht, Leiden railway line, the town has also become a popular residential spot for commuters seeking a rural atmosphere.
- Location: South Holland, Netherlands
- Top sights: De Oude Zustertuin · kinderboerderij de Stal · Fort Wierickerschans
- Nearby: Waddinxveen (8 km)
- Population: ~19.395
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 6 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 16 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 66 | 55 | 38 | 56 | 62 | 78 | 87 | 70 | 79 | 81 | 85 |
Geography
Facts
- Bodegraven was positioned directly on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire.
- The town is home to the world-famous craft brewery Brouwerij de Molen.
- The Dorpskerk was meticulously rebuilt in 1675 following the fire of 1672.
- Millions of kilograms of cheese are stored in the town's warehouses for export each year.
- Fort Wierickerschans nearby was a key stronghold of the Old Dutch Water Line.
- The name Bodegraven likely originates from an artificial canal or ditch (graft).
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Bodegraven (8)
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bodegraven Cheese Museum?
It showcases the history of cheese making and the cheese trade in the region.
What is Fort Wierickerschans?
A historical fort of the Old Dutch Waterline, currently used for events.
Are there windmills in Bodegraven?
Yes, the 'De Arkduif' mill is a prominent grain mill in the village that can be visited.
Which brewery is located in Bodegraven?
The well-known craft brewery Brouwerij de Molen is based here.
Can you hike near Bodegraven?
Yes, there are beautiful paths along the Old Rhine and through the polder landscapes.
Bodegraven: where is it located?
Bodegraven is located in South Holland, Netherlands.
Bodegraven: what is there to see?
Highlights include De Oude Zustertuin, kinderboerderij de Stal, Fort Wierickerschans.
Bodegraven: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Bodegraven: why is it worth visiting?
Bodegraven is a historic town in the province of South Holland, centrally located within the „Green Heart” of the Netherlands on the river Oude Rijn.
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