Oudewater is not only known for its witches, but also for its rope industry. The Baanschuur Rope Museum is therefore well placed in the town where the inhabitants are still called ‘yellow-bellies”. The museum is situated in a former loom shed of a coarse-thread loom. For hundreds of years, after their working day, the ropemakers stored hemp, threads, sleighs and spindles in here. Videos and photos in the museum bring the past of farmers and ropemakers to life! In the Heksenwaag (Witches Weighing House), there is a story museum, where the history of the witches in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries has been resurrected and you can be weighed there on the original scales. You then receive a real “Certificaet of Weginghe”.

A walk through the town
A walk in the present, with a glance to the past! This walk takes you through the historic centre of Oudewater, which, in its entirety, has been declared a protected townscape. The little streets with characteristic gables form a pattern which has remained unchanged for centuries. Unfortunately a lot has been demolished, but luckily a lot has also been retained and the town is still extremely attractive and worth seeing. The atmosphere of a glorious past can be sampled.

Nature
Oudewater is situated beautifully on the Hollandse IJssel: an ideal site on the route across this river. The outlying areas are characterised by plenty of nature, the beauty of the landscape and cultural history. The Ruige Weide, Hekendorpse Buurt and the many richly overgrown wood quays are a respite for the nature lovers.

Culinary
There are numerous welcoming cafes and restaurants in the centre, several of which are in Dutch style. You can visit these for a cup of coffee, an ice-cream or a tasty dinner. There are also many picturesque restaurants and cafes in the immediate vicinity.

Group excursions 
Oudewater’s centre is exceptionally suitable for group visits. In the free brochure, “Group Packages in The Green Heart”, there are “ready made” programmes, such as “Everything about witches in Oudewater” or “A Day of Rope in Oudewater”. Of course, we can also put together a tailor-made programme for you. It is also possible to learn about the history of Oudewater under the guidance of a guide.

Oudewater bubbles!
Every year, many organisations work towards organising fun events for the inhabitants and visitors of Oudewater. During the Witches Festival in June, Oudewater’s theme is song, dance, theatre, fairy tales, witchcraft and magic. The “Proeven” (Tasting) in Oudewater has been a culinary wine, food and music festival for the past 10 years. You can find the most recent news about the Culture Council activities on their website. They arrange concerts, readings, excursions and workshops.

A shop full
In the VVV Tourist Information Office in Oudewater, there is a large choice of regional and national cycling and walking routes, maps and street maps. Moreover, you can go to the VVV Tourist Information Office for lovely souvenirs with a witching theme and real Dutch souvenirs.