Rijswijk Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Rijswijk with this comprehensive travel guide and discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Rijswijk

Located in the Rotterdam-The Hague Metropolitan Region, in the province of South Holland, Rijswijk is a small but charming town in the western Netherlands. It is known for its rich history, picturesque streets, and stunning natural landscapes. Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or a foodie, Rijswijk has something for everyone. This comprehensive travel guide will help plan your trip to Rijswijk and discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Rijswijk

Rijswijk has many interesting attractions to offer, ranging from historical landmarks to beautiful scenic spots.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Rijswijk has a rich cultural heritage that can be explored by visiting its museums and historical places. Here are some of the top attractions:

  • The Museum Rijswijk – This museum showcases the history, art, and culture of the town. It has an extensive collection of paintings, ceramics, and historical objects that reflect its past.
  • The Oude Kerk – This medieval church is one of the oldest buildings in Rijswijk. It has a beautiful interior, with stained-glass windows that date back to the 16th century.
  • The Rijswijkse Bos – This forest area is located on the outskirts of the town. It has beautiful walking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Natural Attractions of Rijswijk: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Rijswijk has many natural attractions that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. From hiking and biking to canoeing and fishing, it has something for everyone. Here are some of the best outdoor spots in Rijswijk:

  • The Delftse Hout – This recreational park is located just outside Rijswijk and has something for everyone. It has a lake for swimming and fishing, a playground for kids, and walking trails for hikers and bikers.
  • The Rijswijkse Bos – This forest area is located on the outskirts of the town. It has beautiful walking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • The Geestmolen – This old windmill is located on the outskirts of Rijswijk and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rijswijk

Rijswijk has many beautiful hiking and biking trails that are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The town is surrounded by lush green forests and picturesque countryside. Here are some of the top hiking and biking routes:

  • The Rijswijkse Bos Route – This hiking trail is located in the Rijswijkse Bos forest area. It is a 5 km long trail that passes through beautiful landscapes and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • The Delftse Hout Route – This biking trail is located in the Delftse Hout recreational park. It is a 15 km long trail that passes through forests and along the lake.

Best Things to Do in Rijswijk: Activities and Tours

Rijswijk has many interesting activities and tours to offer. Here are some of the best things to do in Rijswijk:

  • Take a City Tour – A guided city tour is a great way to explore Rijswijk’s history and culture.
  • Visit the Local Markets – Rijswijk has many local markets that offer fresh produce, handmade crafts, and vintage items.
  • Take a Boat Tour – A boat tour is a great way to explore the waterways around Rijswijk and see the town from a different perspective.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rijswijk

If you’re planning to spend a week in Rijswijk, here’s a suggested itinerary:

Day 1 - Explore the town center and visit the Museum Rijswijk. Day 2 - Visit the Oude Kerk and take a guided city tour. Day 3 - Take a boat tour and explore the waterways around Rijswijk. Day 4 - Go hiking or biking in the Rijswijkse Bos. Day 5 - Visit the local markets and do some shopping. Day 6 - Take a day trip to nearby cities like Delft or The Hague. Day 7 - Relax at the Delftse Hout recreational park and enjoy the beautiful lake.

Food and Drink Scene of Rijswijk

Rijswijk has a diverse food and drink scene, with many local specialties to try. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Hollandse Nieuwe – This is a raw herring dish that is typically eaten with onions and pickles.
  • Stamppot – This is a traditional Dutch dish made from mashed potatoes and vegetables, usually served with sausage or meatballs.
  • Poffertjes – These are small, fluffy pancakes that are typically served with butter and powdered sugar.

Local Beverages

  • Jenever – This is a traditional Dutch gin that is popular in Rijswijk.
  • Korenwijn – This is a Dutch liqueur that is made from malted barley and flavored with juniper berries.

Where to Stay in Rijswijk: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rijswijk has many accommodation options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Rijswijk:

  • Shanghai Hotel Holland - This 4-star hotel is located in the heart of Rijswijk and offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities.
  • Stay Okay Hostel Delft - This budget-friendly hostel is located just outside Rijswijk and offers clean and comfortable rooms.
  • Guesthouse De Klinker - This cozy guesthouse is located in a historic building in the town center and offers a traditional Dutch experience.

What to Buy in Rijswijk: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Rijswijk has many unique souvenirs and local products that are perfect for bringing home. Here are some of the best things to buy in Rijswijk:

  • Delftware - This is a type of blue and white pottery that is made in nearby cities like Delft and is a popular souvenir.
  • Cheese - The Netherlands is known for its delicious cheeses, and Rijswijk has many local cheese shops where you can buy a variety of gourmet cheeses.
  • Stroopwafels - These are traditional Dutch waffles that are made with two thin layers of dough and a caramel filling.

Local Culture and Customs of Rijswijk

Rijswijk has a rich cultural heritage, and the locals take great pride in their town’s history and traditions. Here are some of the local customs and traditions to keep in mind:

  • Respect the Environment – Rijswijk has beautiful natural landscapes, and the locals take great care to preserve them. Make sure to follow the rules and regulations when exploring the forests and parks.
  • Be Polite – The Dutch are known for their politeness, and this is also true in Rijswijk. Make sure to greet people with a smile and say “hello” or “goodbye” when entering or leaving a shop or restaurant.
  • Biking Culture – The Netherlands is famous for its biking culture, and Rijswijk is no exception. Biking is a popular mode of transportation, so make sure to watch out for bikers when crossing the street.

Best Time to Visit Rijswijk

The best time to visit Rijswijk is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the natural landscapes are in full bloom. The fall and winter months can be rainy and cloudy, but they are still a good time to visit if you don’t mind the occasional shower and the cooler temperatures.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rijswijk

Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Rijswijk:

Do:

  • Try the Local Cuisine – Rijswijk has many delicious local specialties to try, so make sure to sample the local cuisine.
  • Explore the Outdoors – Rijswijk has beautiful natural landscapes that are perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring.
  • Respect the Culture – Rijswijk has a rich cultural heritage, and it’s important to respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter – Rijswijk is a clean and well-maintained town, so make sure to dispose of your trash properly.
  • Ignore the Bike Lanes – Biking is a popular mode of transportation in Rijswijk, so make sure to stay out of the bike lanes when walking or driving.
  • Be Disrespectful – The locals in Rijswijk are friendly and hospitable, so make sure to return the favor by being polite and respectful.

Safety and Health

Rijswijk is a safe and healthy town, with a high standard of living. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Rijswijk:

Safety in Rijswijk

  • Safety is High – Rijswijk is a safe town with a low crime rate.
  • Watch Out for Bikes – Biking is a popular mode of transportation in Rijswijk, so make sure to watch out for bikers when walking or driving.

Health in Rijswijk

  • Healthcare is Good – The Netherlands has a high-quality healthcare system, and Rijswijk has many medical facilities that offer excellent care.

Getting to Rijswijk: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rijswijk is well-connected to other parts of the Netherlands and Europe. Here are some of the best ways to get to Rijswijk:

Airports Near Rijswijk

  • Amsterdam Schiphol Airport – This is the largest airport in the Netherlands and is located approximately 40 km from Rijswijk.
  • Rotterdam The Hague Airport – This airport is located approximately 15 km from Rijswijk and offers flights to destinations throughout Europe.

Bus Stations Near Rijswijk

  • Rijswijk Bus Station – This is the main bus station in Rijswijk and offers connections to other parts of the Netherlands.

Other Options

  • Train – Rijswijk has a train station that offers connections to Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and other parts of the Netherlands.
  • Car – Rijswijk is easily accessible by car, with good motorway connections to other parts of the Netherlands and Europe.

How to Get Around in Rijswijk

Rijswijk is a small town, and most of the main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Biking is also a popular mode of transportation in Rijswijk, and there are many bike lanes throughout the town. Public transportation is also available, with buses and trains connecting Rijswijk to other parts of the Netherlands.

Where to Go Next from Rijswijk: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Rijswijk is located within easy reach of other popular destinations in the Netherlands. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Delft – This historic city is located just 3 km from Rijswijk and is known for its beautiful canals, historic buildings, and traditional Dutch pottery.
  • The Hague – This is the political capital of the Netherlands and is located approximately 10 km from Rijswijk. It is known for its many art museums, historic buildings, and stunning beaches.
  • Amsterdam – This vibrant city is located approximately 60 km from Rijswijk and is known for its beautiful canals, historic buildings, and vibrant nightlife.

Conclusion

Rijswijk is a charming town that is perfect for exploring the natural landscapes, history, and culture of the Netherlands. From its beautiful hiking trails and historic landmarks to its delicious cuisine and local products, there’s something for everyone in Rijswijk. Use this comprehensive travel guide to plan your trip to Rijswijk and discover all that this charming town has to offer.