Hoeksche Waard

Hoeksche Waard is an island and rural region in the province of South Holland, Netherlands, lying south of Rotterdam between branches of the Rhine-Meuse estuary. It is a low-lying agricultural area composed of towns, villages and reclaimed polder land.

The island contains several towns and villages with a largely agricultural and horticultural landscape, dikes and drainage infrastructure typical of the Dutch river-delta environment. Ferry and road connections link the island to neighbouring parts of South Holland.

Historically the area was formed and maintained by land reclamation and water management projects and today combines small urban centres with extensive farmland. The island’s villages and market towns provide local services and form the main visitor settlements.

Hoeksche Waard is situated south of Rotterdam and is connected to the national road network; it lies within easy driving distance of the Rotterdam metropolitan area and the ports and industrial zones on the northern shore.

• Municipal reorganisation: Since 1 January 2019 the area has been administered as the single municipality of Hoeksche Waard, formed by the merger of several smaller municipalities.

What to See #

• Oud-Beijerland: Oud-Beijerland is the largest town on the island and serves as the local administrative and service centre, with historic streets and regional connections.
• Other towns: Strijen, Puttershoek and Numansdorp are other population centres that retain agricultural and village character within the island municipality.