The industrial town of Alphen aan den Rijn, which now incorporates the former villages of Aarlanderveen, Zwammerdam and Oudshoorn, lies in the center of the province of Zuid-Holland on the busy Oude Rijn. The most important establishment in this industrial region is the country's second largest publishing house, Samsom-Kluwer
Alphen aan den Rijn has the world's first bird park, a theme park highlighting Dutch history and a recreation area that is used for hiking and cycling. The centre of the town features a performing arts theatre and many local shops.