Spijkenisse
Introduction
You will find Spijkenisse situated in the province of South Holland within the Netherlands. Located in the Greater Rotterdam area, this town offers a landscape where land meets water.
Before you go
Before you explore the area, consider the deep history of the Meuse estuary where hunters and fishermen have lived for millennia. You will find that Spijkenisse developed as a community of farmers and fishermen along a creek of the Old Meuse. The town's layout was shaped by its geography; while the north bank became a dike housing with a stone church to form the city centre, the location in the river delta meant it faced frequent flooding and several fires over the centuries that limited its growth.
You can observe how the municipality evolved from a small town into a larger community following a significant influx of inhabitants in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, the area continues to develop a more diverse city centre as it works to move beyond its identity as a growing centre.
Getting there
If you are traveling by car from Zeeland, follow the N57 north and take the exit for Brielle. Turn right at the end of the ramp onto the N218, passing the McDonald's while avoiding the connection to the A15. At the roundabout, take the third exit onto Groene Kruisweg and turn right at the first major interchange. Continue straight on Hekelingseweg as it becomes Ruwaard van Puttenweg; you will see the Spijkenisse Centrum metro station on your left, providing an ideal starting point to explore the area.
You can also reach the area via Rotterdam's metro network. Lines C and D serve three stations: Spijkenisse Centrum, Heemraadlaan, and De Akkers. If you are departing from Rotterdam Centraal train station, take line D. When traveling from Beurs metro station in the center of Rotterdam, line D offers a slightly faster journey than line C.
Getting around
You can easily explore the historical centre of Spijkenisse on foot. While areas outside of this central district are less interesting for travelers, you can reach them by taking buslines 81, 84, or 105.
Alternatively, you can use the Rotterdam metro system to reach town, which serves as a faster option than the local buses.
Where to stay
You can choose from a selection of accommodations in the area to suit your preferences for comfort and location.
- Carlton Oasis Hotel, located between Rotterdam and Zeeland, offers a luxurious stay.
- Atlas Hotel provides another option for your visit.
Food & drink
You can enjoy a variety of dining experiences across the local area. Options include Olijf, Zorba de Griek, Il Siciliano, and 't Oudste Huys, all located on Voorstraat. Other nearby establishments where you can find a meal include De Beren, Ristorante Pappagallo, and Meiden van de Molen.
For your drinks, you can visit Gers or Cardan, both situated on Voorstraat.
What to see and do
Explore the local history and unique architecture of Spijkenisse by visiting its distinct landmarks. You can discover the town's past through the façade of a simple grocery store that houses a museum run entirely by volunteers. For a different experience, visit De Boekenberg, the public library shaped like a pyramid where books are stacked up to the ceiling.
You can also visit several notable sites throughout the area, including the Dorpskerk, Le Tamanoir, Ontmoetingskerk, R.K. Felicitaskerk, Ruigeplaatbosch, and Walvisstaarten.
Three days in Spijkenisse
Day one, you can begin your stay in the heart of Spijkenisse Centrum. You might choose to dine at local establishments such as Olijf or Zorba for a taste of Greek flavors, or visit Il Siciliano.
Day two, you can explore the surrounding area of South Holland. You can travel toward the nearby city of Rotterdam or take a turn toward Brielle.
Day three, you can spend your final day navigating through local streets like Groene Kruisweg, Hekelingseweg, Ruwaard, and Puttenweg to experience the local atmosphere before your departure.