Gouda, Schoonhoven, Bergambacht

Craftsmanship and mastery on this artisanal route through Krimpenerwaard. According to The Dikke van Dale, a craft is ‘a profession in which you make something by hand’. Nowadays, other criteria apply to crafts. The main ones are: delivering quality, customisation, creativity and originality. Artisans are enterprising and keep a balance between perfection and the continuity of their business. This is exactly what you will find on this route.

The medieval basket makers and rope-makers in Ammerstol, the artisanal cheese makers in Stolwijk and the Gouda pottery factories. Besides its ceramics and clay pipes, Gouda is also known for its Gouda candles, syrup waffles and cheese.

A special mention deserves Schoonhoven. This silver city is known for its many artisanal silversmiths. Hop off at one of Schoonhoven's museums to learn more about the past use of silver or the craft of blacksmithing.

But a craft encompasses even more, it used to be a jurisdiction where the lord of the manor had appointed an ambassador for administration and justice. Bergambacht was such a jurisdiction owned by Lord of the Mountain. Not entirely coincidentally, this is why the corn mill still grinds grain into flour in the traditional way.

Tip: Start your route from the TOP. Here you can park and are directly at a junction of the route.

Photo: ©Schoonhoven Partners