Dutch destination: Strolling in Alphen aan den Rijn

You may have seen the city’s apple-shaped bicycle sheds on your NS train trip to Utrecht or ‘s-Hertogenbosch. If you’ve never ventured beyond the train station, there’s a lot to discover in Alphen aan den Rhein.

The first inhabitants of Alphen am Rhein arrived around 2,000 years ago, but it was with the Romans that things really began to take off. The Albanian Fortress, a large fortress that once stood in the current city centre, was built around 40 AD. It helped defend the empire’s northern border.

Gradually, a community of civilians and retired soldiers emerged around the fortress. This era was relatively peaceful, the Romans built the first bridge over the Old Rhine, and Albania became an increasingly important trade center in the region. It all came to an end in 270 AD when marauders arrived.

In the late 1960s and 1970s, important archaeological finds were unearthed in the nearby town of Zwammerdam, including large parts of six ship wrecks dating to the 2nd century A.D. Today, colorful signs hang in Alphen am Rhein’s shopping district and in the Archeon, a “living museum” featuring daily gladiator fights, commemorating the area’s Roman heritage.

lie in Green Heart Located east of Leiden, Leiden is considered primarily a commuter city, but there is plenty to see and do here. In addition to the Archeon and Vogelpark Zoo, there are many shops, restaurants and other attractions worth a day trip or longer, including what is probably the most unusual cathedral in the country.

Five things to do

Embark on an adventure through time and space
If you want to take a whirlwind tour of 6,000 years of Dutch history, 1,000 years ago to be exact. Archon It’s the perfect place to do this. There’s a real museum on site with artifacts from Roman times, but the real draw for most visitors lies in the livelier attractions.

Agios Agios is home to a prehistoric village, a medieval town and a Roman settlement, complete with a gladiator arena. Agios Agios actors bring history to life, playing characters ranging from friendly Neolithic villagers to fussy Roman guards. Visitors can tour workshops and take canoe rides, but the braver and more dashing may prefer to wield a sword or shoot an arrow under the guidance of a knight.

Feathery and furry
Bird is the word Bird Parkone of the oldest bird parks in the world, but also full of furry animals. First opened in 1950, it has a wide range of exotic and native birds, from flamingos to raptors. You can watch vultures crack open eggs, macaws and owls show off in bird shows every day from April 1 to October 31.

In the early 2000s, the park became a zoo as it took in a wider variety of animals. Now the park is home to 230 species, including red pandas, giant anteaters and emperor tamarins. The emperor tamarins are among the smallest monkeys in the world. They are known for their white whiskers, which make them look like they are auditioning for the role of a sheriff in a movie.

See more flora and fauna
village BoskopLocated south of Alphen, it is a popular destination for cyclists, walkers and boaters. It has also been a centre for arboriculture for almost five centuries. Nurseries in and around Boskop are home to hundreds of different species of trees and shrubs. Together they create a fairytale atmosphere, especially when you view them from the water.

Nearby Bentoude Leisure and nature centre. Before its completion in 2016, the forest was expanded with 2.5 million new trees and other plants. Here you can see many species of birds and butterflies, as well as 80 km of walking and cycling trails.

Stroll along the Oude Rijn
The center of the city of Alphen is located on the banks of the Rhine, and on sunny summer afternoons and evenings, many people gather on café terraces and lawn chairs to watch passing yachts and other boats.

There are lots of shops and cafes nearby, and there are markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You can also castlean entertainment complex with a theater and cinema.

Cycle to a unique cathedral
There are thousands of churches, chapels and cathedrals in Europe, but few are like this one. Green Cathedral Located in the village of Hazerswoude-Dorp, it looks like it was taken straight from The Legend of Zelda Games. It takes about 25 minutes by bike from Alphen train station.

Those willing to travel a long way will find a small, ivy covered cathedral There are stained glass windows, gardens and a chapel. Groene Kathedraal can be an oasis on long bike rides and, thankfully, there is a public toilet. The chapel is the work of Tom and Conny van Dijk, who originally purchased the property in the late 90s with plans to use it as a nursery. It eventually became the chapel after Tom decided to install a lookout tower.

Where to Eat
Hard to miss Maggie BlueThis is a large café that occupies the Nutsgebouw, a listed building that has housed a bank, library and gym over the years. It’s a lively place with an eclectic menu.

If you’re looking for a more low-key dinner spot, try the aptly named Cows and cheese Across the street. If you guessed they serve beef and cheese dishes, feel free to treat yourself to a juicy rib-eye steak. original It is an upscale restaurant that offers lunch and dinner menus. Ristorante Pizzeria is Morus There are more than 40 kinds of pizza and a deli filled with Italian products.

If you have children with you, Sixties Corner Perfect for lunch. This is an American restaurant with burgers, hot dogs and pancakes. brand new There is a family cafe nearby with a toy and children’s clothing store. enjoy A good choice if you want brunch or coffee. Sunset Beach and Bar Very popular in summer. The restaurant is located by Lake Zegerplas and serves pizza, sandwiches and cocktails.

Where to stay
Unfortunately, the picking rate in Alphen aan den Rhein is quite low. Alphen City Hostel. This is a boutique hotel in the city center with a lovely cafe. Van der Valk Hotel Aviva is another option, with traditional rooms and more luxurious suites, especially if you’re fascinated by the bird park next door.

Ali-B2 During the off-season from October to March and at certain times of the year, the site becomes a bed and breakfast “inn”. There are also several campsites nearby, including Alt Rhein Campground.

How to get there
The journey from Amsterdam to Alphen usually takes 45 minutes by car. The train ride from Amsterdam Central Station takes about 5 minutes.

anything else?
Look up after dark and you might notice some unusual lights on the Alphen Tower, a TV and radio transmission tower that serves as a beacon of sorts. The lights on top of the tower are used to mark major holidays and other events. You can visit Tower’s Page exist This is Alphen.a website for tourists and other visitors to the region.