Leerdam: City of glass

Fire, craftsmanship, creativity and brawn

From Arkel, you sail to Leerdam in about two hours, passing the villages of Kedichem and Heukelum. Whether you like culture, good food, boating, shopping or walking, there is something fun for everyone in Leerdam! With the log cabin boat, try to get a spot on the city quay, you are right next to the lively city centre and close to the Glassworks.

Glass Museum
Leerdam is the city of glass of the Netherlands for a reason! When the glassworks start in the 18th century, a large glass industry emerges. The mark this left on the city is still clearly visible today. They also call the National Glass Museum the glass treasure trove of the Netherlands. There are changing exhibitions and you can see the largest collection of Leerdam glass in the world.

Glassworks
At the National Glass Museum’s Glassworks, you can experience up close how glassblowers transform liquid glass into all kinds of objects. With fire, skill, creativity and brawn, they transform the tough liquid substance into the most beautiful shapes. The accompanying shop sells unique handmade objects. The neighbouring Houtloods serves lunch and dinner.

Linge Bridge poems
As a child from a boating family, Hestia Peek feels drawn to the water and enjoys canoeing on the Linge. The canoe trips also inspire her to write poetry. Have you spotted her beautiful writing on bridge pillars of the Linge Bridge?