“Lost? Hungry? Need fuel?” A sign probably flashes these questions at drivers heading north on the A2. This is Ruwiel.
Ruwiel is not just a pit stop. It has a past. It is a place where weary travelers can pause. They can refuel their cars and themselves.
Once, Ruwiel was a municipality. From 1818 to 1964, it stood as its own entity. Then, it merged with Breukelen.
But the name Ruwiel goes back further. It stretches back to a castle. This castle belonged to the Van Ruwiel family. They lived here along the Aa River. The castle was just north of today’s service area.
Imagine a fortified country house. That was Ruwiel Castle. It likely dates back to 1226. The Van Ruwiels lived here until about 1315. The Van Mijnden family followed until the mid-16th century. After that, several others lived there.
Then came 1673. The French devastated the castle during the Dutch War. Now, only a moat remains. It encircles an oval island. The island is about 35 meters across. You can find it just outside Nieuwer Ter Aa.
Ruwiel wasn’t just a castle. It also referred to a district. The Van Ruwiels held court here. This area appeared in a list of knightly estates as early as 1536.
The resulting domain became the municipality of Ruwiel. In 1964, municipal reorganization saw it become part of Breukelen.
Today, Ruwiel offers modern conveniences. It is a service area along the A2 highway. You will find it between exits 5 and 4. Shell provides a gas station. Starbucks offers coffee.
But Ruwiel has a unique claim to fame. In 2006, it became a polling station. It was during the Dutch parliamentary elections. People could vote right off the highway for the first time. Alexander Pechtold, a former minister, cast his vote here to support the initiative.
So next time you stop at Ruwiel, remember its history. It is more than just a place to stretch your legs. It is a place with roots reaching back centuries. From a castle to a municipality to a highway stop, Ruwiel has transformed. It continues to serve travelers on their journey.