Krimpenerwaard

Krimpenerwaard is a municipality in the western Netherlands, located in the province of South Holland. It lies in the Green Heart between Rotterdam and Gouda, along the river Hollandse IJssel. The municipality encompasses numerous villages and towns within the historic Krimpenerwaard region, an area known for its dike-and-polder landscape and extensive waterways. It was established on 1 January 2015 through the merger of several smaller municipalities as part of a nationwide effort to consolidate local administration. The name reflects the long-standing polder landscape of the Krimpenerwaard, which has been shaped by water management practices over centuries.

The local government consists of a municipal council and a mayor. The administration focuses on rural development, housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection in this water-rich landscape. The economy is mainly driven by agriculture and horticulture, with additional activity from small- and medium-sized manufacturing and logistics services, aided by proximity to Rotterdam and Gouda.

In addition to its agricultural base, Krimpenerwaard offers outdoor recreation, cycling and boating opportunities on its many waterways, and features several nature reserves and protected landscapes. The area preserves historic churches and traditional windmills in several villages, contributing to its scenic and cultural character.

Governance and services are organized at the municipal level, with collaboration on regional planning and transport planning with neighboring cities and regions. The Krimpenerwaard is part of the Green Heart (Groene Hart) of the Randstad and is connected to larger urban centers by regional roads and rail links.