
23 Sep IJSSELMONDE | Off the Beaten Track near Rotterdam
We love discovering new places in the Netherland and even though our country is small, it still keeps surprising us! For instance, have you heard of IJsselmonde, just a stone’s throw from Rotterdam?
Many people are not aware of the large amount of nature that Eiland IJsselmonde has to offer, let alone the beautiful hiking trails, farms, restaurants and more. Off Beaten, for sure!
Let’s discover a new part of the Netherlands.
Culinary delights at restaurant Ross Lovell
We started our journey from Amsterdam and in about 1 hour you find yourself in IJsselmonde. If you are in for a fancy lunch or dinner, it’s a definite must to visit Ross Lovell. Mind you, there are two locations, so make sure you drive to Rijsoord. Located in a beautiful historic building, the Wapen of Rijsoord, it overlooks the waterfront. Inside the interior is classic and cozy. But let’s talk about the food. Oh boy, what a feast! Pretty plates that will trigger your tastebuds such as edible flowers, piccalilli ice-cream and asparagus tempura. rosslovell.nl/rijsoord
The pretty and tasty menu of Ross Lovell
Extra tip: Book a high tea at Theehuys Polderzicht in Barendrecht. You can also order a filled picnic basket or buy some leaf tea in the shop.
Walk in nature; Carnisse Grienden
Make sure you bring some comfortable walking shoes because IJsselmonde has some stunning walking paths waiting to discover. For example, Carnisse Grienden. The Rhoon and Carnisse Grienden are nationally and internationally unique. This area has a rich history and a wealth of special plants and animals such as bevers. In 1972 there were plans to dry up the land and sell it for building property, but people came into action and this is the reason why we can still enjoy it the way we can. Walk in between the trees and enjoy the water that knows a low and high tide which makes it look like a swamp.
Where to sleep
If you want to stay the night you have a few options but if you want something special, we recommend you these two.
- Sleep among the alpacas at De Willemshoeve.
This Bed & Breakfast is run by Dutch couple Wim & Els. Start your day with Els her freshly baked bread, not to mention the fresh eggs from their chickens. Best of all, you can cuddle and feed the Alpacas! - Get fancy at the Castle of Rhoon
Het kasteel van Rhoon has been restored over the centuries as it was destroyed several times during battles. Nowadays, it is a wonderful location for lunch, dinner and weddings. But you can also stay the night in the “koetshuis” that is located next to the pont and castle. You can sleep here for €150 per night.
IJsselmonde for Kids
Bring your kids to the island of IJsselmonde! There is plenty to see and do. Here are our recommendations:
- Pick fruit and flowers at De Buytenhof
During the weekends it can get quite busy, but we understand why. This fruit farm lets you pick your own fruit like apples, pears and strawberries. From the end of August up until October it’s time to pick the apples and they also sell pumpkins, so hurry if you don’t want to miss out. For the kids there is a nice playground and you can say hi to the farms pigs. debuytenhof.nl
- Visit Abel Tasman where you can find a restaurant, climb forest and “Kabouterpad” for kids. Make a reservation if your kid wants to join in the scavenger hunt. tasman.nu
- Speelpolder Heerjanneke is for kids who like to get dirty! They can climb, clamber, hang in ropes and crawl in pipes. Cross the water with the towing ferry, keep your balance on the stepping stones in the water or play football on the lawn. You can find it in Heerjansdam.
Organic shopping at Zorgboerderij de Buytenhof
Altogether, IJsselmonde is a pleasant surprise that is often overlooked. Find our more about the region at ontdekijsselmonde.nl
Love,
Wander-Lust
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