Village walk 'Discover the best village in Holland

De Rijp was only a small fishing village in the 16th century. However, 'The best village in Holland', as hydraulic engineer Jan Adriaansz Leeghwater called it, soon developed into an important trading centre. Its history is still visible and tangible. 'A village worth a visit' the staff of the Michelin guide concluded. That is why De Rijp is now the proud owner of a genuine Michelin star.

Discover the secrets of the beautifully preserved 17th-century village on a walk led by a VVV guide. The tour starts in the town hall designed by De Rijp's most famous resident, Jan Adriaanszn Leeghwater. The guide then tells all kinds of wonderful stories about the village's history.

As a result, during the walk you imagine yourself back in the seventeenth century. You can almost smell the spices in the warehouses and feel the heat of the great fire that reduced De Rijp to ashes in 1654.

The Three Guys

After visiting De Rijp , you'll know all about the lives of the Three Johns. Residents who left an indelible impression and are still world-famous. Leeghwater, who played an important role in draining the Beemster, the Schermer and the Starnmeer; the wealthy shipowner Jan Boon, who left his money to the village and still has a grave in the Grote Kerk; and Jan Janszn Weltevree, the sailor who worked his way up to advisor to the king in Korea, and has a statue in Seoul and De Rijp.

Of course you will admire the protected villagescape of De Rijp, where you can still find the large warehouses, ship owners' houses, orphanages and beautiful village pubs. And of course the guide will take you to De Buurtjes, where workers lived in the seventeenth century and which is now De Rijp 's most beautiful neighbourhood.

Practical information

The 'Discover the best village in Holland' village walk will be held on five Sundays this summer.

Group size: Maximum 15 persons
Start: 11:00 and 14:00 hours
Per person:€ 7.50 (including guided tour of the town hall)

The tour starts at De Rijp 's Town Hall and also ends there. You will be received in the VVV De Rijp office, Kleine Dam 1, on the ground floor. If you come by car, please park in the car park near the SV De Rijp sports complex, Jan Ploegerlaan 1, or on Wollandje near the shopping centre. Please park bicycles next to the town hall.

Groups

You are also welcome to come to De Rijp with a group. Please register via info@vvvderijp.nl. A group consists of a minimum of 8 participants. The minimum cost is €60, even if there are fewer participants. Above 8 participants, you pay an extra €7.50 per walker. Group walks are tailor-made and can be held in consultation.

If you have any questions, send an email to info@vvvderijp.nl or drop by the VVV branch on the Kleine Dam in De Rijp.