Typically Gorinchem
THE TEN MUST-SEE PLACES
1 | Gorinchem Vestingwallen with spectacular views
Gorinchem still has its original vestingwallen. The ramparts run all the way around and you can walk across them. The specially laid footpath gives you beautiful views over the rivers; unique in the Netherlands! Along the way, take a virtual trip back in time to the Disaster Year 1672: three VR posts tell the story of a soldier, civilian and farmer in the Old Dutch Waterline.
Fortification walk
2 | Discover the Martyrs of Gorcum
In 1572, 19 Catholic clergymen from Gorcum were hanged just outside Brielle because they refused to renounce their faith. The moving story of the Martyrs of Gorcum has become known worldwide. This local history has a special place in the new exhibition at the Gorcums Museum Museum.
But other Gorcumse Gezichten en Goederen also take you past familiar and less familiar stories from the history of Gorinchem. Worth a visit!
Gorcums Museum
3 | Meet Hendrick Hamel
Meet the discoverer of Korea in his birthplace on the Kortendijk. His extraordinary life story reads like an exciting boy's book. Hamel suffered shipwreck off the coast of Korea in 1653 with the crew of the VOC yacht the Sperwer. He described his experiences in a journal. His travel log made the mysterious Korea known in 'our' world. Since then, Hamel has been regarded as the discoverer
Hendrick Hamel Museum
4 | Climb the tower for a spectacular view
The tallest building in town is the Grote Toren; you can see it from afar. If you dare, you can climb the tower. After 256 steps, you will have reached the highest point and be rewarded with spectacular views. Soms you can even see the Dom in Utrecht or the skyline of Rotterdam! Fortunately, you don't have to do the climb in one go, as there are two breaks along the way with explanations from the tower guide.
Tower climbing
5 | Gorcumse verhalen
Gorcumse guides will tell you the funniest anecdotes about the city. You will pass well-known hotspots and hear the stories behind them: Hugo de Groot's flight, the leaning tower, Gorcum's salt balls and much more. The tour can be booked every Saturday and Sunday at the VVV Tourist Office on the Grote Markt.
Our guided tours
6 | Sailing in the Fortress Triangle
In the Netherlands' most beautiful fortified town, water is never far away. Gorinchem lies on the idyllic Linge and the Netherlands' busiest waterway, the Merwede. Buiten de Waterpoort, these rivers converge. Here, take the ferry to the picturesque fortified town of Woudrichem. In season, you can also sail on to medieval Slot Loevestein and Fort Vuren, pearls in the New Dutch Waterline. A day sailing in the Vestingdriehoek is a must if you are in Gorinchem, and if you come with your own boat, you can moor for a few days in the middle of town, in the picturesque Lingehaven!
Spend the night in the Lingehaven
7 | Trendy & atmospheric shopping
In the historic fortress, you will find surprisingly hip shops and concept stores, from trendy to vintage. But also modern shops with your favourite brands. Enough for an afternoon of fun shopping. A drink in a trendy coffee, cocktail or wine bar will make your day out complete!
The Leuke Winkeltjesroute will give you some inspiration.
View shops
8 | Search for gable stones
Gorinchem is full of monuments. Often with beautiful gable stones that refer to past uses and crafts. With the Gablestone Route, you will discover for yourself where the stones are. Soms you have to look for them.
View route
9 | Unique city beach on the Merwede
Gorinchem is not only a beautiful fortified town, it also has a echt city beach. Buiten de Waterpoort, you will find several little beaches where you can swim in the Merwede in summer. This city park also has picnic areas, children's play equipment and outdoor sports.
View our tips
10 | Be surprised at the Cultural Sunday
Browse at special studios and galleries, score creative gifts, visit free museums or experience live performances. You can do that every second Sunday of the month at the Cultural Sunday in Gorinchem. With a changing range of arts, crafts, lifestyle and culture, there is always something surprising to experience. Admission is free almost everywhere, including the museums!
Cultural Sunday
