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.
Archeon in Alphen aan den Rijn is a theme park featuring an impressive display of the different periods in Holland's past. Prehistoric farmhouses, Roman baths and medieval townhouses are all to be found amongst the rides and attractions.
Address: Archeon, Archeonlaan 1 Postbus 600, Alphen aan den Rijn, Zuid-Holland 2408 AP, Netherlands
Hours:
March 21 to November 2: 10am-5pm; Closed: Mon
Tips: Open off season for special events and bookings.
2km/1.25mi west of the town center of Alphen aan den Rijn is the Avifauna bird park (open year-round), in which many species of rare birds from all over the world live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat.
Avifauna also offers bird demonstrations and performances, as well as feeding times.
Address: Bird Park Avifauna, Hoorn 65, Alphen aan den Rijn, Zuid-Holland , Netherlands
Nine km/6mi south of Alphen aan den Rijn is Bodegraven, well known for the production of farm cheese, there is a cheese museum and cheese monument. The town is located on both sides of the Oude Rijn.
Brodegraven actually consists of two small villages, Bodegraven en Nieuwerbrug and Meije.
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