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FOOT-PASSENGER FERRIES
Over water, the shortest and nicest way to travel!
The Gorinchem foot-passenger ferries travel back and forth between the beautiful forti fied cities of Gorinchem and Woudrichem and the Brabant village of Sleeuwijk. In the summer months, we will also take you to Loevestein Castle and the 19th century Fort Vuren. Enjoy this original way to discover the local area. The ferry service is available to pedestrians, cyclists and wheelchair users.
The ferry trip in itself is quite an experience!
Sitting on the sun deck of the “Gorinchem VIII” ferry you have a magnificent view of the banks, beaches, river forelands and fortifications. You are travelling on the most heavily-trafficked river in Europe, the waterway between Rotterdam and Germany But the trip is not just a pleasurable journey; it is also one of the most direct connections between the provinces of South Holland, Brabant and Gelderland!
The Fortified Triangle
The unique thing about the Gorinchem ferry service is that it operates in the “Fortified Triangle”, between three medieval fortresses and a fort along the New Dutch Waterline. Gorinchem, Woudrichem, Loevestein and Fort Vuren together form this Fortified Triangle. The trip will take you through areas of tranquillity space and history with three rivers in three provinces. www.vesting3hoek.nl
New Dutch Waterline
The Netherlands is famous for its age-long struggle with water But water has some times been an ally a fact that is less well-known. During times of war for example, land has been flooded intentionally as protection against the enemies. Along the 85 km of the New Dutch Waterline, there are some fine recreational routes; you can ramble, cycle or roller blade past historic buildings and places that are a permanent reminder of this defence line. Simply take a short stroll or embark on a hike of several days. The routes combine beautiful landscape with cultural history tranquillity and water Fort Vuren and Loevestein Castle belong to the New Dutch Waterline, the water defence line which had to stop the enemy advancing westward along the river Waal.
Today you can cross the river here by taking the Watertaxi. A ride on the taxi can be reserved no more than 1 hour in advance by calling 06-22 55 82 33. Bicycles are car ried free of charge. www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl
Gorinchem
Gorinchem is a beautiful fortified city that plays a major role in regional life with its wide range of shops, theatres, cinema, restaurants, bars, outdoor cafés and museum. Every Monday morning, a market is held around the main church and there is late night shopping on Thursdays. It was not without good reason that Gorinchem was nominated for best city centre in the Netherlands in 2005! Take a pleasant stroll around the city and learn about the life of Gorinchem-born Hendrick Hamel, a 17th century bookkeeper with the Dutch East India Company Walk past the many historical buildings in Gorinchem, or hire a scooter and ride along the splendid fortifications.
Gorinchem Tourist Information Office +31 (0)183-63 15 25 or www.vvvgorinchem.nl
Woudrichem
The saying “good things come in small packages” definitely applies to Woudrichem. A beautiful little fortified city at a very special location: the junction where the river Maas meets the river Waal. In the harbour you will still see many salmon scows, which are silent witnesses of the rich maritime history You can learn all there is to know about its history in the maritime museum.
Tourist information +31 (0)183-30 12 02 or www.toeristeninfo-woudrichem.nl
Foot-passenger ferry Mr Baks +31 (0)6-51 53 03 00
Loevestein Castle
Loevestein Castle is an impressive piece of architecture. Many people know the stories about Hugo de Groot escaping from the castle by hiding in a book chest but there is a lot more to say about the castle. It is open to visitors and well worth a visit You can also walk around the castle in beautiful scenery or plan a visit during a bike ride. From Woudrichem you can take the Gorinchem ferry service or the small foot-passenger ferry to Munnikenland.
Foot-passenger ferry Mr Baks +31 (0)6-51 53 03 00
Slot Loevestein +31 (0)183-44 71 71 or www.slotloevestein.nl
Fort Vuren
This fort is part of the Dutch Waterline. It is open to visitors, and special exhibitions are held regularly There is an outdoor café and simple overnight accommodation available for walkers and cyclists.
Fort Vuren +31 (0)183-66 09 50 or www.wff.nl
Sleeuwijk
The ferry link to this peaceful Brabant village is steeped in history For many years, the Gorinchem-Sleeuwijk link carried the nickname of “The ferry of Empress Marie Louise”. She crossed the river in 1811 after waiting for quite some time on the Sleeuwijk side in a tent The slogan “the shortest way to Paris” even figured on the timetable for a while!
Gorinchem Watertaxi… Taking you anywhere you like
If you want to travel over water you can also opt for the Watertaxi. An ideal solution for journeys outside the normal timetable and routes of the ferries. Simply climb on board with up to 12 people. Bicycles are carried free of charge! The Watertaxi picks up passengers from anywhere in the area and takes them to wherever they want to go. All you need to do is call or send an SMS to 06-22 55 82 33. Or use one of the free telephones at the mooring points and call for the Watertaxi. The Gorinchem Watertaxi operates on the Merwede and Waal rivers. A single ticket within the Fortified Triangle costs just 5 euros per person per trip. And, what’s more, bicycles are carried free of charge! This low fare of 5 euros never changes, no matter how many people are on board or what time it is. Watertaxi arrangements can also be made with a number of restaurants within the Fortified Triangle.
The Watertaxi is a wonderful alternative to the busy north-south roads.
www.veerdienstgorinchem.nl
Gorinchem Ferry Service +31 (0)6 51 60 49 64
Gorinchem Watertaxi +31 (0)6 22 55 82 33
E mail veerdienst@Gorinchem nl Fax number +31 (0)183 63 70 16
Postal address: Veerdienst Gemeente Gorinchem Postbus 108 NL 4200 AC Gorinchem
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need any specific information.
