Are you dreading long car rides, including car sickness, or complicated and expensive air travel? Just stay at home, because for the ultimate vacation feeling you do not have to leave Dordrecht at all! Enjoy being outdoors in a relaxed atmosphere and close to home. What more could we want this summer?
These surprising Dordrecht spots will give you an up and coming vacation feeling.
Sleeping in a cottage made of cardboard
Would you like to spend the night in a sustainable tiny house in one of the most beautiful spots in the Biesbosch? Then book one of the four original Wikkelhouses on the Stayokay campsite. Each cottage has its own toilet and shower, a small kitchenette and offers space for four people. Three of the four cottages are right on the waterfront. What makes the cottages so nice? "The cosy atmosphere, the location in the middle of nature, the convenience of Stayokay's facilities nearby, the breakfast basket every morning," and so Ramon Utterlijn, reception supervisor at Stayokay, could go on and on. "Perfect, is what I get back most from our guests. And nice of course that the cottages are sustainable, made from recycled materials. They consist of 21 layers of corrugated cardboard, with a layer of plastic around it and a layer of wood around it. We started three years ago with one Wikkelhouse, but it went so well that we now have four and they are running great. For that reason, the Stayokays in Apeldoorn and Gorssel have now also started Wraphouses."
Water sports at Board Academy
On the grounds of Europarcs resort de Biesbosch on Rijksstraatweg also sits Board Academy. A strange unexpected location? "We hear that more often," laughs Chris de Bruine, one of the owners of the water sports center. "But for water sports we are perfectly located here. You can literally go in every direction here to have a very cool active day on the water. Among other things, you can wakeboard, water ski, wakesurf, funtub and supp. Haven't done it before? Then take a lesson or join a workshop or clinic. Combinations of the different water sports are also possible, as are children's parties and group arrangements. We rent out our SUPs in a backpack so people can choose their own location where to do it. The Biesbosch is of course suitable for that, but in fact it can be done anywhere. We also organize various SUP tours, both in the Biesbosch and in downtown Dordrecht. We have exemption from the municipality to SUP with a maximum of eight people through the attractive harbors. Super fun of course! We expect it to be another pleasantly busy summer, just like last year. The trend to explore our own region is set and that's a good thing. There is so much beauty here in the area."
Windsurfing with Wind Power
Getting out on the water at the Spaarbekken. Windsurfing club Windkracht not only offers surfing fun, it is also the relaxed helpful and cozy atmosphere that stands out. "And that is exactly the intention," chairperson Esther van Koten explains enthusiastically. "Everyone feels welcome here. The approximately 160 members, but also non-members. If non-members want to come and surf for a day, they can rent everything (suit, shoes, sail and board) from us for €13 for a whole day. People with their own gear buy a day pass for € 5. Members, of course, have unlimited access. It is also nice that we have our own clubhouse with a shower where you can also buy something to drink and snacks. It is also a godsend if you want to warm up again in rainy weather. The Spaarbekken of Evides is the only place in Dordrecht where you can and may windsurf. A wonderful place, but of course it is also great to do. It is a healthy sport. You are busy with nature and then, precisely because of that, all the daily things fall away from you. It is also nice that windsurfing is suitable for all ages. You can learn from the age of 10; our oldest member is 88. Besides the surf lessons, we also organize regular step-up days where people are taught the basics of windsurfing for a whole day." Windpower is open Wednesdays, Fridays and weekends from April 1 to November 1.
Enjoying the beach at Merwelanden
Why go to Zandvoort or Scheveningen? Dordrecht has its own magnificent plage in the Merwelanden. Enjoy the sun, sand, water and fresh air. There are playgrounds for children and restaurant De Merwelanden with a nice spacious terrace on the water for a snack and drink. You can also go there for an ice cream or fries. Are you done baking for a while? Then walk into the Biesbosch with its endless hiking trails, sports fields and beautiful places to picnic or enjoy a summer barbecue. The latter, by the way, is also perfectly possible on the day campsite or on the large lawn behind Sterrenwacht Mercurius.
Beach Merwelanden, day camping and Sterrenwacht Mercurius can be found at the end of Baanhoekweg.
Picnicking in the New Dordtse Biesbosch: get some goodies at the Harvest Park
The Nieuwe Dordtse Biesbosch has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. A great nature reserve to go to on a summer day for a nice hike and a cozy picnic. While you are in this beautiful area, don't forget to visit the Oogstpark for a drink with some goodies to go. The treats depend on the harvest at the time, everything in the Harvest Park is organic. An example of such an original small dish to go is the farmhouse curd with strawberries and rhubarb compote. Seasonality is also reflected in the products they sell on a small scale. Think marmalades, herbal tea blends and all sorts of other fresh produce. The laid-back atmosphere makes for a great place to unwind in this intimate park off Oude Veerweg, next to P2 of the Nieuwe Dordtse Biesbosch. It's also fun and educational for children. This summer, this unexpected picking paradise is open for the third time on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. onwards. During the summer vacations, Wednesdays will be added. In July and August the flowers are also in full bloom and visitors can put together the most beautiful bouquets themselves for only €7.50. All income from the Harvest Park goes to maintaining the grounds.
