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Laarwijk Plantation

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Historical site
—°2
Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)

Weather…

Laarwijk is a historic plantation on the right bank of the Suriname River that continues to thrive today as an animated village community. Established in the 18th century, it was originally specialized in the cultivation of coffee and citrus fruits. Following the end of slavery in 1863, the plantation was utilized by former enslaved people and later by indentured laborers, leading to the development of an autonomous settlement structure. The region is famous for its fertile soil, which is still used today for the production of oranges and other tropical fruits. Laarwijk is characterized by its relative isolation, as there is no direct road connection and the village is accessible only by boat across the river. This seclusion has helped preserve traditional ways of life and a strong connection to the natural environment. In recent years, Laarwijk has seen the emergence of sustainable community-based tourism, offering visitors insights into authentic rural Surinamese life and the history of small-scale farming in the post-plantation era. The 'Laarwijk Schoon' initiative further promotes ecological sustainability and environmental protection within the community.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C252626262625262628292826
Rain mm1661441312263212692161357371110186

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Laarwijk is a historic settlement accessible only by boat. There are no visitor facilities; the settlement is small and used for agriculture.
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Typical hours
As this is an inhabited settlement, there are no fixed visiting hours. It is recommended to come during the day and respect residents' privacy.
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Photography
Photography of the settlement and surroundings is allowed, but ask residents for permission if you want to photograph people or houses close up.
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Time needed
A visit to the small settlement takes about 15 to 30 minutes. The boat trip itself is an experience and should be factored in.
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Combine with
Combine the trip to Laarwijk with visits to nearby plantations along the river. Birdwatching tours are also possible in the area.
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Getting there
Laarwijk is accessible only by boat, which can be rented in Domburg or another landing. It is recommended to hire a local boatman.
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Insider tip
Book the boat trip in advance and negotiate the price beforehand. Bring enough sunscreen and water for the river journey.

Geography

Coordinates
5.60000, -55.01600

Facts

  • The plantation was founded in the year 1737.
  • Laarwijk is renowned for its high-quality orange cultivation.
  • There is no bridge to Laarwijk; crossing is done solely by boat.
  • The village has approximately 200 permanent residents.
  • After 1900, the plantation was divided into small plots for local farmers.
  • The community is actively committed to organic farming practices.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Waterland PlantationWaterland Plantation6 km · SExplore →
ParanamParanam7 km · SExplore →
JodensavanneJodensavanne11 km · WExplore →
Port of ParanamPort of Paranam15 km · SExplore →
Katwijk PlantationKatwijk Plantation16 km · EExplore →
Peperpot PlantationPeperpot Plantation17 km · SEExplore →
Fort SommelsdijkFort Sommelsdijk17 km · EExplore →
Suzanna's DaalSuzanna's Daal18 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Laarwijk Plantation (2)

Shipwreck🏺 historical

Remains of an old shipwreck in the Suriname River, testifying to the colonial trade history.

BoaVista🎡 recreation

A popular river beach on the banks of the Suriname, inviting visitors for swimming and picnics.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Laarwijk Plantation?
A rural plantation site that provides a glimpse into life of days gone by.
When is it most beautiful?
In the early morning hours with milder temperatures.
Is the place easily accessible?
Accessibility is often only by boat, which is an experience in itself.
What kind of clothing to wear?
Light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
What do you learn there?
Much about agricultural history and colonial structure.
Laarwijk Plantation: where is it located?
Laarwijk Plantation is located in Suriname.
Laarwijk Plantation: what is there to see?
Highlights include Shipwreck, BoaVista.
Laarwijk Plantation: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Sep, Oct.
Laarwijk Plantation: why is it worth visiting?
Laarwijk is a historic plantation on the right bank of the Suriname River that continues to thrive today as an animated village community.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Cola Creek — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
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Brownsweg — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
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History & landmarks

Commewijne plantations — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
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Arya Dewaker Temple — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
Arya Dewaker Temple
A magnificent Hindu temple in Paramaribo with unique octagonal architecture.
Bergendal — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
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A luxury eco-resort and historic site on the Suriname River, blending adventure with colonial history.

More places

Waterland Plantation — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
Waterland Plantation
Once a flourishing sugar cane plantation, today a popular historic recreation area along the river.
Paranam — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
Paranam
A historic mining settlement that gained great importance through bauxite mining in the 20th century.
Jodensavanne — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
Jodensavanne
Former agricultural settlement of Sephardic Jews in the 17th century on the Suriname River.
Port of Paranam — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
Port of Paranam
A historically important industrial port on the Suriname River.
Katwijk Plantation — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
Katwijk Plantation
The only plantation in Suriname that still produces and processes Liberica coffee today.
Peperpot Plantation — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
Peperpot Plantation
One of the oldest coffee and cocoa plantations in Suriname, now partly a nature park.
Fort Sommelsdijk — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
Fort Sommelsdijk
A colonial fortress at the confluence of two important rivers to protect against enemy attacks.
Suzanna's Daal — Laarwijk Plantation (Suriname)
Suzanna's Daal
An old sugar plantation on the right bank of the Suriname River, named after the founder's wife.