Isn’t it charming? The Waverbrug. This narrow drawbridge sits gracefully over the Oude Waver.
The Waverbrug connects the Oude Waver and the Hoofdweg. It links the municipality of De Ronde Venen with the Waverdijk. From there, you can head left along the Ronde Hoep. Or you can turn right towards Waver and Stokkelaarsbrug. The Voetangelbrug and Ouderkerk aan de Amstel are also that way.
Interestingly, the Waverbrug is near Fort in de Botshol. The Waver itself is quite special. It links two stream systems. To the north are Holendrecht and Bullewijk. To the south are Winkel and Oude Waver. The Waver is called the Casiquiare of Amstelland. This refers to a river in South America. That river connects the Amazon and Orinoco.
The official name Waverbrug refers to the bridge between Ronde Hoeps Polder and Waverveen. However, this Waverbrug doesn’t cross the Waver. It spans the Oude Waver. The Oude Waver runs from Stokkelaarsbrug to the Amstel at Nessersluis.
Old maps show the evolution of bridges in this area. A map from 1555 shows only one bridge over the Waver. In the 16th century, the Zand- en Jaagpad was built. It ran from Ouderkerk to Breukelen. A letter from 1657 mentions toll collection at the Voetangel. It speaks of “toll of the Waverbrugge”. A map from 1636 labels the Voetangelbrug as Waaverbrugh.
The Waverbrug has a clearance height of 0.6 meters when closed. Its width is 4.1 meters. If you’re on a boat, remember the clearance is relative to Kanaalpeil. That is -0.4 meters relative to NAP. Account for water level changes.
The Waverbrug’s operation varies throughout the year. From January 1st to April 15th, it’s by appointment only. You must request it 24 hours in advance. Call 0297-291616 before 10:00 AM. Weekends and holidays have no service. Weekdays operate by appointment between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Different periods have different schedules.
Imagine the scene. The sun glints off the water as the Waverbrug slowly rises. A small boat passes through. The bridge lowers again. Traffic resumes its flow. The Waverbrug stands as a vital link. It connects communities and waterways. It is a testament to Amstelland’s intricate network. This unassuming bridge has quietly shaped the region’s history and connectivity.