Set on the banks of the Oude Rijn, Alphen aan den Rijn is a vibrant city in the “Green Heart” of the Netherlands. The area has been inhabited for at least 2,000 years and was once dotted with Roman fortifications. Since the 1950s, Alphen aan den Rijn has developed into a commuter city for workers in The Hague, Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Things to do in Alphen aan den Rijn
Bird enthusiasts can visit the Vogelpark Avifauna, which was established by Van den Brink in 1950 as the world’s first dedicated bird park. It encompasses several ponds surrounded by lush greenery that provide a habitat for crowned cranes, rainbow lorikeets and Dalmatian pelicans. In addition to its avian residents, the park provides a habitat for giant anteaters, red pandas and emperor tamarins.
History buffs can head to Archeon, an open-air museum that brings to life various periods in Dutch history. With the help of costumed staff, discover the day-to-day experiences of Stone Age inhabitants and life during the Roman period, as well as the working conditions of the Middle Ages. In addition to an arena where gladiator fights take place, the museum includes a restoration yard filled with historic wooden ships.
On the eastern edge of Alphen aan den Rijn is Park Zegersloot, a popular recreational space that centres around an artificial lake. It encompasses a variety of sporting facilities and walking trails, as well as a skiing and snowboarding school. Wakeboarding and windsurfing can be enjoyed on the Zegerplas.
Getting around Alphen aan den Rijn
Alphen aan den Rijn is around 30 minutes’ drive from The Hague and Rotterdam The Hague Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Schiphol Amsterdam Airport is 25 minutes away. Trains connect to the Alphen aan den Rijn railway station and buses travel throughout the city.