Alblasserwaard

Alblasserwaard is a historic and geographical region in the western Netherlands, primarily within the province of South Holland. It forms a low-lying, polder landscape along the Lek river and is defined by a network of dikes, canals, and polders reclaimed from floodplains. The name derives from the Alblas river and the Dutch word waard, meaning a river meadow or floodplain. The region lies within the broader Groen Hart (Green Heart) area, and its boundaries are not tied to a single administrative unit.

Administratively, the Alblasserwaard does not constitute an official municipality. It spans multiple municipalities, including Alblasserdam and Molenlanden (the latter containing towns that historically lay in Giessenlanden). Consequently, regional planning and services are handled by the respective municipalities and water boards rather than by a regional government.

Geography and hydrology: The landscape is characterized by flat terrain, green agriculture, and water-driven infrastructure. Water boards manage dikes, pumping stations, and sluices that control water levels and prevent flooding. Windmills, both historic and preserved, are prominent landmarks along cycling routes.

History and economy: The area has been shaped by centuries of land reclamation. Agriculture, fruit cultivation, and horticulture dominate the local economy, complemented by small-scale manufacturing and services. Tourism is oriented toward rural landscapes, cycling, and heritage sites centered on windmills and old farmsteads.

Notable towns include Alblasserdam, Papendrecht, Nieuw-Lekkerland, and Groot-Ammers. The Alblasserwaard remains a representative example of Dutch polder culture and water management.