Best attractions and places to see in Hollands Diep include a variety of notable landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites. This important estuary of the Rhine and Meuse rivers in the Netherlands offers diverse points of interest. Visitors can explore historical monuments, significant bridges, and unique natural areas. The region provides opportunities to experience both its rich history and its distinctive landscape.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
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It's really no fun driving over this bridge. Water on one side, and traffic thundering through on the other. When it's windy, you're glad to be over it.
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The Belgian Erebegraafplaats Willemstad is a military cemetery located on the Hollandsch Diep in the Dutch town of Willemstad.[1] The cemetery contains the graves of 159 dead from the Second World War, originating from Belgium. Most of them, 134, were prisoners of war of the Germans and were transported by ship to prison camps. They died when their ship, the Rhenus 127, hit a mine on 30 May 1940. Some of the victims had previously been buried in the cemetery behind the Protestant church of Willemstad; that cemetery became full and, partly for reasons of public health, it was decided to use a new mass grave on the Hollandsch Diep. Later, 25 other Belgians who had died elsewhere in the Netherlands were buried here. The name of one of them is unknown. Their names were added to the monument in 1963. The cemetery was officially opened on 29 May 1950. There is a limestone memorial stone (note the different colours of the stones) of three by three metres, one metre high, with the names of the 159 soldiers. It is provided with the text HERE REST 134 BELGIANS Fallen for their fatherland and ours 30 May 1940 and the same text in French.
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Impressive monument to a very tragic event
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Along the Oostdijk between the Tonnekreek and Willemstad is 'De Wachter' a special work of art. De Wachter stands exactly on the spot where the storm surge on 1 February 1953 hit and flooded the Ruigenhilpolder. The work of art is an eight-metre-high hill, on which sheep can graze. The work of art De Wachter, by artist Marius Boender, was built along the Hollandsch Diep at the spot where the dike broke during the Flood Disaster in 1953. The reason for the monument was the completion of the dike reinforcement in 2001. The work of art is an eight-metre-high, pyramid-like clay hill, overgrown with grass. You can climb the work of art via a path that winds over the work of art. There is a good chance that you will do so in the company of grazing sheep. The creation of the work of art was a challenge, because factors such as weight (not too heavy), weather resistance (rain and wind) and construction (not subsidence under pressure from visitors) had to be taken into account. Source: https://www.visitmoerdijk.nl/nl/locaties/2645610321/de-wachter
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Large lock system of considerable size. There is a lot of shipping traffic here, especially during the week.
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The monument at the Belgian honorary cemetery in Willemstad (municipality of Moerdijk) is a memorial wall of concrete, with a cross in the middle. The cemetery houses the graves of 134 Belgian soldiers.
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Hollands Diep offers several significant historical landmarks. You can visit the Moerdijk Bridge and Monument, which incorporates steel from the original 1936 bridge and commemorates the connection between North and South Netherlands. Another poignant site is the Belgian Military Cemetery, Willemstad, a memorial to 159 Belgian soldiers who died during World War II. Additionally, the historic fort of Willemstad is located nearby.
Yes, a notable art installation is De Wachter Art Installation. Located along the Oostdijk between Tonnekreek and Willemstad, this eight-meter-high, pyramid-like clay hill by Marius Boender marks the exact spot where the dike broke during the 1953 flood disaster. Visitors can climb it via a winding path, often in the company of grazing sheep.
The region is home to the unique Oeverlanden Hollands Diep, a freshwater tidal zone similar to the Biesbosch National Park. This area is known for its unspoiled nature, featuring rough reed lands, open water, channels, creeks, and rare willow forests. It's also part of the Natura 2000 network, providing a vital habitat for birds, particularly around Esscheplaat, Zeehondenplaat, and Sassenplaat.
Several bridges in the Hollands Diep area are excellent for cyclists. The Haringvliet Bridge provides a crucial connection between Goeree-Overflakkee and the greater Rotterdam area and features a dedicated path for cyclists, offering great views. The Sluispad Noord Bridge is another pleasant point for cycling routes in the region, known for its easy-going nature and scenic water views.
The Hollands Diep region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, such as the 'Willemstad Marina – View of Willemstad loop' or the 'Oeverlanden Strijensas – Cable ferry De IJsvogel loop'. For cycling enthusiasts, there are MTB trails like the 'Oude Dame Drawbridge and Lock – Strijensas Bridge loop'. Running routes are also popular, including the 'De Wachter Flood Memorial – Willemstad Historic Center loop'. You can explore more options in the dedicated guides for Hiking in Hollands Diep, MTB Trails in Hollands Diep, and Running Trails in Hollands Diep.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The De Wachter Art Installation is a fun place for families, as children can climb the pyramid-like hill and might even encounter grazing sheep. The Belgian Military Cemetery, Willemstad, while a solemn site, can also be visited by families for its historical significance.
The Hollands Diep river is a wide, tidal river and estuary that was formed by extensive floods in 1216 and 1421. Today, it serves as an important shipping route, connecting major cities like Rotterdam and Antwerp with Germany, making it a vital artery for trade and transport in the region.
While primarily an industrial area and shipping hub, the Port of Moerdijk, located at the southern end of the Hollands Diep, is an important point of interest. It's a multipurpose port on the Rhine-Scheldt Canal, handling a significant volume of cargo and vessels annually, showcasing the region's economic importance. It's more of a functional landmark than a typical tourist attraction, but offers insight into the region's industry.
Yes, some attractions in Hollands Diep are noted for their accessibility. The Moerdijk Bridge and Monument is considered wheelchair accessible. Additionally, the Sluispad Noord Bridge, with its separate cycle road, can also be navigated by wheelchair users, offering pleasant views.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical significance and natural beauty. The dedicated cycling paths on bridges like the Haringvliet Bridge are highly rated for their views. The unique story and interactive nature of the De Wachter Art Installation, where you can climb and see sheep, is also a community favorite. The historical depth of sites like the Moerdijk Bridge and Monument and the solemn Belgian Military Cemetery, Willemstad also resonate strongly with visitors.
Absolutely. Many of the region's attractions double as excellent viewpoints. The Haringvliet Bridge and Sluispad Noord Bridge offer expansive views over the water and surrounding landscape, especially when cycling. The De Wachter Art Installation, being an eight-meter-high hill, also provides a unique vantage point over the Oostdijk and the Hollands Diep.


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