Mallegatsluis
A historic national monument lock in Gouda, showcasing Dutch water management with lifting gates and scenic skyline views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Mallegatsluis
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic national monument lock in Gouda, showcasing Dutch water management with lifting gates and scenic skyline views.
"Perfect picture opportunities with a great view on the historical skyline of Gouda."
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning shots of the lock and Gouda's skyline.
🚶♀️ Explore Museum Harbor
Don't miss the historic ships nearby for a complete maritime experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mallegatsluis Lock
Gouda
A historic national monument lock with impressive lifting gates and storm surge protection.
Museum Harbor
Adjacent to Mallegatsluis
Home to vintage cargo ships, offering a nostalgic look at maritime history.
Gouda Skyline View
From the lock area
Enjoy picturesque views of Gouda's historic skyline, perfect for photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Lock's History
Combine with Museum Harbor
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning shots of the lock and Gouda's skyline.
🚶♀️ Explore Museum Harbor
Don't miss the historic ships nearby for a complete maritime experience.
⚓ See Lifting Gates
Witness the unique lifting gates in action if pleasure boats are passing.
☕ Nearby Dining
Enjoy a meal or coffee at the restaurant located near the Museum Harbor.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Capture stunning shots of the lock and Gouda's skyline.
🚶♀️ Explore Museum Harbor
Don't miss the historic ships nearby for a complete maritime experience.
⚓ See Lifting Gates
Witness the unique lifting gates in action if pleasure boats are passing.
☕ Nearby Dining
Enjoy a meal or coffee at the restaurant located near the Museum Harbor.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Mallegatsluis as a significant historical monument and a picturesque spot offering great views of Gouda's skyline. Its proximity to the Museum Harbor enhances the maritime experience, though some note the presence of a sewer pipe detracts slightly from the scenery.
"One of the historical locks connecting the Hollandse IJssel with the Gouwe. Ships had to pay taxes to pass here. Now only in use for pleasure boats. Nice designed locks and a great view on the historical skyline of Gouda. Perfect picture opportunities."
Frank Wils
"A typical Dutch city, situated at the mouth of a tributary.
Visit Gouda: be sure to visit this old lock.
This old lock connects the city to the larger waterway: the Hollandse IJssel.
Nearby is also the Museum Harbor, with some old cargo ships from yesteryear.
A typical Dutch city; situated at the mouth of a tributary.
Visit Gouda: be sure to visit this old lock.
This old lock connects the city to the larger waterway: the Hollandse IJssel.
Also nearby is the Museum Harbor with some old cargo ships from yesteryear."
marc overduin
"For decades after its construction, the lock was used exclusively for warships (Eighty Years' War). Regular ships had to enter the city center via the harbor, as this lock was located outside the city at the time and was dug specifically for these warships.
The lock is a national monument. The lock has lifting gates. Additional storm surge gates have been installed on the outer side (Hollandse IJssel). You can walk along the left side of the lock chamber under the bridge to the waterside.
The green pipe in front of the lock, on the Hollandse IJssel, is a sewer pipe. Shame on you, ugly, but probably the cheapest way to install it here.
Remarkable! Gouda has every type of lock imaginable within its city limits. Single gates (Behind the Church, Amsterdam Lock & Harbor Lock), double gates (Stolwijk Lock), three double gates (Donker Lock), lifting gates (Mallegat Lock), roller gates (Julian Lock), fan lock (Goejanverwelledijk), and double outlet lock (Reeuwijk Lock). And storm surge gates at these Mallegats Lock and Stolwijk Lock. Remarkable, isn't it?"
Eric Blom
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mallegatsluis is easily accessible by foot from Gouda's city center, located near the Museum Harbor. Public transport options to Gouda are readily available, and from the station, it's a pleasant walk.
Parking is available in Gouda's city center. From there, it's a short walk to Mallegatsluis and the Museum Harbor. Consider public transport to avoid parking hassles.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Mallegatsluis itself is an outdoor monument and generally free to visit. Access to the Museum Harbor and its ships may have separate admission fees.
As an outdoor historical site, Mallegatsluis is accessible at all times. However, the Museum Harbor and nearby restaurants have their own operating hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can admire the historic lifting gates, storm surge gates, and the overall design of this national monument. It's also a great spot for photography with views of Gouda's skyline. +1
Yes, you can walk along the left side of the lock chamber under the bridge to the waterside for different perspectives.
Children might find the large lock mechanisms interesting. Combining the visit with the Museum Harbor offers more engaging activities for younger visitors.
While Mallegatsluis itself is a historical structure, there is a restaurant located near the adjacent Museum Harbor where you can find facilities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a restaurant located near the Museum Harbor, adjacent to Mallegatsluis, offering meals and coffee.
📸 📸 Photography
The lock itself, with its lifting gates and storm surge barriers, is a prime subject. The historic skyline of Gouda viewed from the lock area also provides excellent photographic potential.
Daytime generally offers the best natural light for capturing the details of the lock and the surrounding scenery. Golden hour can also provide beautiful, soft light.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While Mallegatsluis itself is a historical monument, the adjacent area offers space to walk around. Consider packing snacks and drinks, as facilities might be limited directly at the lock, though a restaurant is available nearby. The overall experience provides a gentle introduction to Dutch maritime history in a relaxed setting.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best shots, explore different angles by walking along the lock chamber. The Museum Harbor nearby, with its vintage ships, adds another layer of photographic interest, creating a rich narrative of Gouda's maritime heritage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Engineering Marvel of Mallegatsluis
The lock's design also reflects its historical purpose. For decades, it was exclusively used for warships during the Eighty Years' War, highlighting its strategic importance. Unlike regular ships that entered the city center via the harbor, this lock was specifically constructed outside the city for military vessels. This dual functionality—military and later commercial/pleasure—makes it a fascinating site to explore.
Visitors can walk along the left side of the lock chamber, offering a unique vantage point to appreciate the scale and engineering of the structure. While the lock itself is a historical marvel, it's worth noting a modern, albeit less aesthetically pleasing, addition: a green sewer pipe on the Hollandse IJssel side, a practical necessity that contrasts with the historical architecture.
Gouda's Diverse Lock Landscape
Mallegatsluis, with its lifting gates, is part of this impressive collection. The presence of storm surge gates at Mallegatsluis and the Stolwijk Lock further emphasizes the city's commitment to water defense. This diversity makes exploring Gouda's waterways a unique experience for anyone interested in civil engineering or Dutch history.
Understanding the different types of locks and their functions provides a deeper appreciation for how these structures have shaped Dutch landscapes and livelihoods for centuries. Mallegatsluis, in this context, is a key piece of a much larger, fascinating puzzle of water control and navigation.
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