Dordrecht

Dordrecht is a really old city that grew wealthy on its position at a river confluence with important commercial, military and private boat building. It held significant regional and international importance, hosting the 'Synod of Dordrecht' and other important religious meetings.

Thankfully, it escaped much of the widespread destruction of the Second World War. Consequently, it is brimming with interesting old architecture and displays an old-time sense of wealth that belies the peaceful and laid-back character of its modern-day economic relaxation. The locals are educated and generally proud of their city, which is the sort of place to wander around and explore leisurely, rather than rushing in and out.

1 VVV Dordrecht (Tourist information), Spuiboulevard 99, ☏ +31 900 4636888. Mon 12:00-18:00, Tue-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-18:00. (updated Jun 2016)

By rail:

1 Dordrecht railway station. A direct rail service from Rotterdam Centraal and Rotterdam Blaak takes about 15 minutes. There is a direct service from Amsterdam Centraal via The Hague and Rotterdam Centraal with the terminus in Dordrecht. There is also a direct service from Gorinchem, Roosendaal and Breda. (updated Mar 2024)

By boat:

There is a fast ferry (waterbus) from Rotterdam, which is part of the public transport system and costs the same as the train.

By car:

Two important highways go to and through Dordrecht. A16 from Rotterdam to Belgium border and N3 from Papendrecht to the A16 in Dordrecht.