Schoonhoven online travel guide
Schoonhoven online travel guide - Dutch Silver City
Get ready for a delightful adventure filled with charming streets, friendly locals, mouthwatering eateries, and a plethora of boutiques, all waiting to be explored in Schoonhoven. Fondly referred to as the “Silver City,” it is truly one of the Netherlands’ hidden gems that you absolutely must not miss out on. Not only is Schoonhoven renowned for its silver craftsmanship, but it also boasts the title of a fortified town. Dive into the world of silversmithing and visit the city’s oldest silver workshop. Plus, Schoonhoven offers a myriad of stunning sights, making it an ideal destination for a day trip or a relaxing weekend getaway. Have a look at my Schoonhoven online travel guide!
Online Travel Guide
Schoonhoven Travel Guide - An off the beaten track destination
Situated in South Holland, along the river Lek, Schoonhoven may not be the largest city, but within a day, you can easily explore its charms. Yet, I personally recommend staying for a night or two to fully immerse yourself in the abundance of delightful shops, restaurants, and the beautiful surroundings.
Parking in Schoonhoven
The easiest way to reach Schoonhoven is by car, and the best part? Parking is free in the city! Just keep in mind that some areas have time restrictions, so it is best to park at P1 or P2. In case you are coming from Gorinchem, you can take the ferry service with your car.
Using Public Transport
Opting for public transport? No worries! You can hop on a direct bus from Gouda or Utrecht straight to Schoonhoven. Lines 195, 295 and 497 will take you to the city.
Hop on a Bike
Alternatively, why not embrace the Dutch way and cycle your way around? Many cyclists take to the scenic routes on sunny days, and you can even catch a ferry across the Lek from Nieuwpoort. Pedal through the quintessential Dutch landscape, complete with windmills, dykes, polders, and grazing cows and sheep.
Explore the Silver City - Schoonhoven Online Travel Guide
History and Silversmithing
Schoonhoven, known as the Silver City, lives up to its name. Since the 14th century, silver has been at the heart of this charming city, with numerous silver workshops dotted throughout. Despite modern advancements, silversmithing remains an integral part of Schoonhoven’s identity. Over the centuries, the city has evolved into the epicentre of silver craftsmanship and art in the Netherlands, boasting a thriving community of artisans, galleries, and the Dutch Silver Museum as prime spots to delve into the rich silver heritage.
Oldest Silversmith Workshop: Zilver aan de Lek
If there is one recommendation I can not stress enough, it is visiting the oldest silversmith workshop in Schoonhoven, known as Zilver aan de Lek. As soon as you step inside Havenstraat 47a, you see the oldest workshop on your right. This dates from 1857 and on the left the other workshop from 1947, where owner Marianne offers most of the workshops.
Take a Silver Workshop in Schoonhoven
Marianne’s passion for her craft is evident the moment you step through the door. She is more than happy to give you a tour when she is not conducting a workshop. And if you are feeling inspired, why not join one of her workshops? I have tried it myself, and I cannot recommend it enough! From a small piece of silver, you can create your desired piece of jewellery, whether it is a ring, earrings, necklace, or keychain. With Marianne’s guidance, the three hours will fly by! Book your appointment with her via info@zilveraandelek.nl or give her a call at +316 22238850.
Silver Day and the Night of Silver
If you are planning a visit to beautiful Schoonhoven, make sure to coincide it with Silver Day or the Night of Silver. Silver Day falls on the second day of Pentecost, while the Night of Silver, a treat for night owls, takes place on December 14, 2024. During these events, the city comes alive with festivities, and you can explore various workshops to learn about and purchase silverware. You will return home not only with memories but perhaps some silver treasures as well!
Silver Walk of Fame - Schoonhoven Online Travel Guide
Throughout the city, you will find a lot of silver tiles with a silver master mark scattered around. This master sign serves as the signature of the blacksmith and can be found in front of the craftsmen’s (former) home or workshop.
Schoonhoven Attractions
Schoonhoven boasts several noteworthy attractions, including the Water Tower, Ferry gate, the Town Hall, the St. Bartholomew’s Church, and the Silver Museum.
Water Tower - Schoonhoven online travel guide
The Water Tower stands out nicely as you walk along the embankment, a beautiful structure with its wooden enclosure and striking architecture. Built in 1901, it served as a water tower until 1982. After that, silversmiths had some workshops, but it is now available for a nice overnight stay.
Ferry Gate
Originally, Schoonhoven had four city gates, but nearly all were demolished, except for Ferry Gate, built in 1601. Its name derives from its proximity to the ferry crossing over the Lek. Besides its historical significance, the gate served a practical function, closing during high water to protect Schoonhoven.
Town Hall - Schoonhoven online travel guide
Another gem is the 15th-century Town Hall, where every hour, a melody emanates from the bell tower. During holidays, you might catch Christmas or Saint Nicholas tunes. And during the Night of Silver, the town hall is adorned with colourful lights.
St. Bartholomew's Church/De Grote Bartholomeüskerk
You cannot miss it, even before entering Schoonhoven, a towering church dominating the skyline. Thought to date back to the 13th century, the church is a striking sight.
Springerpark
Schoonhoven boasts a city park, perfect for enjoying summer events. You might even stumble upon a newly-wed couple, as it is a popular spot for wedding photoshoots.
Walking & Cycling Tours in Schoonhoven
Walking in Schoonhoven - Online travel guide
Get ready for a delightful 4-kilometre stroll as you follow the path of the Dutch Waterline. This scenic route takes you through the city centre via the town hall, past the iconic Water Tower, and the Ferry Gate, three of Schoonhoven’s charming landmarks. Along the way, you will uncover fascinating insights into the city’s rich history.
Cycling in Schoonhoven & Surroundings
As mentioned, Schoonhoven and its surroundings are perfect for scenic bike rides. Kick off your journey at the Ferry Gate and pedal towards the Silver Museum until you reach Brasserie Springer.
Bonrepas Seesaw Mill & Hooge Boezem
From the brasserie, cross over towards Schoonhoven Noord and head towards the old seesaw mill Bonrepas, on the Vlist river. There you continue your route through the polder to the beautiful Hooge Boezem, a nature reserve rich in its flora and fauna, you can indulge yourself as a nature lover here.
Haastrecht, Berkenwoude & Bergambacht
From there, cycle towards Haastrecht, then onwards to Berkenwoude, and loop back via Bergambacht towards the dyke. Follow the dyke until you cycle back into Schoonhoven. With its scenic landscapes, abundant birdlife, farms offering fresh produce, and numerous restaurants and cafés, you are in for a day of pure cycling bliss.
Shops in this Schoonhoven online travel guide
In the city centre, you will find a lot of nice boutiques; you will hardly find any chains, except for a few. In addition, you will of course find countless silver studios, but gold lovers will also enjoy themselves here. Do not forget to walk down Koestraat during a day of shopping, where you can stop by Wijnkoperij Huub Oostendorp near Springerpark for an extensive range of wines, port and whiskies. A row from my favourite shops are:
- Sam Sam: a vintage shop, where you can definitely score something. This little shop is located on Koestraat.
- Pand 96: another cute little shop in Koestraat is Pand 96, you will find all kinds of second-hand furniture that has been refurbished.
- De Kaardebol: a florist with all kinds of cute trinkets.
- Vivaz: for cute clothes and accessories.
- LOIC Concept Store: where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee with a Macron in addition to little trinkets.
Best restaurants in Schoonhoven
Schoonhoven has a lot of good restaurants, where you can dine wonderfully, as well as fine bars or cafés. These are some good restaurants in a row:
- Rivero: Enjoy drinks on the waterfront terrace. If the weather turns, fear not, indoor dining is just as delightful. Their seasonal menu caters to all tastes, including vegetarians.
- De Waag: Summer calls for al fresco dining on their spacious terrace, while indoors, you can savour a meal in their charming little restaurant. Reservations are recommended due to limited indoor seating.
- Toltien: A household name in Schoonhoven. Toltien exudes a warm, familial atmosphere the moment you step inside. Indulge in a delightful selection of nibbles alongside a refreshing drink. Be sure to reserve your spot, especially if you fancy their freshly prepared midweek meals.
- Brasserie Springer: Nestled near the eponymous city park, Brasserie Springer offers culinary delights made from fresh, local ingredients. Awarded the coveted ‘Gouden Pollepel’ multiple times and featured in the ‘Lekker top 500 Nederland’ (Top 500 tasty restaurants in The Netherlands), it is a dining or lunch experience not to be missed. Afterward, why not explore the Vlist on a stand-up paddleboard?
Essentials for Schoonhoven - Online travel guide
- Picnic Blanket, as you might want to enjoy a lunch on the countryside
- Lightweight foldable backpack, for your belongings & newly purchased items
- Sunglasses, as the sun may suddenly come through
- Water Bottle, to refill your bottle sustainably, as water in The Netherlands is drinkable from every tap
- Binoculars, for spotting wildlife
- Camera with lens to take nice pictures
- Tech Pouch, to store all your charging cables, memory cards and power bank
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Last update: 18-05-2024 © Doris Leone
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