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This year we do a tour through the Netherlands. We use a new system
that has great popularity in the Netherlands called; the Knooppuntensystem. (Connection system for cyclists) |
"Fietsatlas" of the Duch ANWB (AA) |
So you can find your route |
At each connection a map |
Tuesday, 9 August 2011 Oss - Zeist
Km 78.08
(Nieuwe Schans, Tiel, Wijk bij Duurstede, Doorn, Austerlitz, Zeist)
Ship only for pedestrians and cyclists. The Waal near Tiel |
Bridge over Amsterdam-Rijn Kanaal at Wijk bij Duurstede |
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Ready for departure |
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We will stick as much as possible to the "Connection system".
When leaving, the sky is overcast but beautiful bike weather.
Through the whole city of Oss, our starting point runs a cycling-road with red asphalt and bike symbols. Cars can
drive on it but have no precedence. Therefore, we make good progress through the city: Reaching the suburbs, we
see the first sign with the right number.
After about 10 km we get to the Meuse River at Oijen/Nieuwe Schans. A ferry takes us to the other side. After another
10 km we are faced with the second river near Tiel. This time we cross the Waal with a speedboat just for pedestrians
and cyclists. The river from the Dutch border on, changes its name from Rhine into Waal.
After another 10 km we reach the River Nederrijn. Here the ferry takes us to Wijk bij Duurstede. This is the last
river from the Rhine delta to cross.
In the meantime it is 2 pm and we get hungry.
In the main street we pass a fish shop. From afar we smell the scent of baked fish. They offer a large assortment.
After 5 minutes we enjoy our fried fish on a small table.
We look at the town, take a few photos and then we head towards Utrechtse Heuvelrug. We leave the pasture landscape
and come to an area consisting of forest and heath.
At Austerlitz, we lose our numbered way due to a diversion of the route, but there are other signs for cyclists,
the so-called "paddenstoelen" sign, which, since I was a child, is showing the cyclist the right way.
Just before the city of Zeist I turn on my GPS which brings us safely to our pre booked accommodation address at
Vrienden op de fiets
Bourgeoisie tower of "slot Duurstede" |
With the ferry crossing the "Lower Rhine" |
Runmolenpoort 1659 (at the same time street) |
The "Grote Kerk aan de Markt" Wijk bij Duurstede |
House with thatched roof |
Click to view image |
Wednesday 10 August 2011 Zeist -
Blarikum
Km = 63.25 Total 141.33
(Utrechtse Heuvelrug, Amersfoort Spakenburg, Huizen, Blaricum)
Through forest and heath |
direction Amersfoort |
The heather blooms |
<OLV spire in Amersfoort |
The night was good in a very quiet area and we slept like a log.
When starting, the sun was at its best. We ride through forests and heath land on nature trails. There are still
a few puddles on the dirt road, we must be careful because they are slippery.
Around noon we reach Amersfoort with its 98 meter high spire.
The center has a medieval character with beautiful facades.
From Amersfoort we cycle North through the famous Dutch landscapes with meadows, canals and cows.
The nearest major town is Spakenburg, formerly a fishing village. By the draining of Flevoland, it has been deprived
of its existence. The fisherman had to look after a new occupation.
Only once we cross a river by ferry, this time over the Eem at Eemdijk. Here we make a coffee break.
Via Eemnes we go further North and are soon in Huizen, a larger city. After dinner, we continue with the help of
my GPS to the pre-ordered overnight address.
Many bike paths have red tarmac ^ Stair facade in the center of Amersfoort > |
Land of milk and honey for ducks |
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Well-tended gardens ^ Funny bench here in Spakenburg > |
In earlier times clogs where kept this way outside the house. |
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These people take pleasure in buxus plants Traditional costumes of Spakenburg > |
Bike path lined with willow trees |
Thursday 11 August Blaricum - Volendam
Km = 73.55 Total 214.88
(Naarden, Muiden, Durgerdam, Peninsula Marken, Monnickendam, Volendam.)
Farewell to our host House facade in Naarden > |
Old town of Naarden is surrounded by a moat and defensive walls |
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Everyone has his own boat |
The Arsenal is now a restaurant |
Dike, bike path and deeper-lying land |
The Overnight address is in an exclusive residential neighborhood. Early morning
we are woken by singing birds.
We ride about 10 km through heath and forest until shortly before Naarden. The Original Naarden is surrounded by
a wide moat and defensive walls, a bastion of the middle Ages. A bird's eye view would show a star-shaped city.
We cycle over a bridge into the city and, as expected, it looks a little bit of Medieval. However, the former armory
is now converted into a restaurant.
Over the West Bridge we leave the Old City.
On our way we come along the castle Muiderschlot dated from the year1285
Just before the river Vecht flows into Ijsea we cross three adjacent locks.
To get further west from Amsterdam to the north side of the River Ij, which flows through Amsterdam, we must cross
lots of bridges, Amsterdam is surrounded by water.
Muider Castle Ships are ubiquitous in Holland > |
This wall was built as water protection ? |
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Three locks in the Vecht at Muiden To read click on the image > |
Houses, dikes and Ijmeer |
On the North side of Amsterdam we cycle on dikes, along the shore of Ijsea.
The wind is increasing tremendously, but luckily it comes from behind. We are literally blown to the peninsula
of Marken. This village is decked out fine and there are tourists in droves.
There are two ways to get to Volendam: Either taking a boat for about 10 Km or back over the dike against a headwind.
We choose the latter because otherwise we would miss Monnickendam where we haven't been before. Shortly before
Monnickendam suddenly it begins to rain and a bus stop rescues us from a cold shower. Here we can calmly put on
our gaiter and cape and continue through the rain to the town of Monnickendam. We find a restaurant with home-baked
pastries. Here is good to wait until the coarsest rain has fallen.
To Volendam, we take the shortest route to our night stay. With such a strong tail wind we arrive there very fast.
This dyke makes island Marken to a peninsula |
Traditional houses on the peninsula Marken |
Penisula Marken |
A few pictures of the peninsula Marken |
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Friday 12 August Volendam - Heemskerk
Km = 55.52 Total 270.4
(Edam, Beemster, De Rijp, Akersloot, Castricum, Heemskerk)
A few pictures of Volendam |
Canals with a lot of duckweed and bridges |
and bridges to raise in Volendam |
Edam has also its canals |
The carillon was built in 1561 < In Edam the bells are on the outside of the tower |
It rained all night long until first hours of the day.
We do sightseeing by bike and following the cycle path to Edam, the adjacent village of Volendam, famous for its
cheese. (Edammer cheese)
Fortunately, we can hold the cape in the panniers.
Edam is a town with many canals, neat house facades and a church tower, whose bells are attached on the outside
of the tower. We are just passing it on the hour and hear the charming carillon.
We continue through the Beemster. Once here was a lake to see on the straight roads and canals. That here, where we cycle,
ships sailed 400 years ago is still hard to imagine but true. It is one of the first lakes which were drained in
Holland.
On the right side of the dike runs a canal (ring canal) to almost the same level as the bike trail. Left, at least
5 meters deeper grazes cows and sheep on pastures. A pumping station at which we pass pumping around the clock
the deeper water up into the ring channel, otherwise the country would flood again. Previously there were wind
mills, now the pumps are electrically
The next town, de Rijp, must be slightly higher as the houses and bridges are of the Middle Ages.
The weather permits now a coffee break on a bench. This morning we left Volendam in the rain.
Via Akersloot we come to Castricum. In a park with several benches, we seek for, the bench standing in the shadows,
as it was becoming warm.
I am very happy with the GPS, because to find a road in such a densely populated area is not easy.
We find our host family immediately, after a shower we are invited to coffee, tea and cakes. Mrs. Huisman, our
hostess, baked a cake today specially for us.
It is a fantastic club, vrienden op de fiets. Members are mostly people who themselves cycle or have cycled in
former times.
Lock in de Rijp |
Clogs and buckets beautiful in line |
Ring channel is higher than the grass land left |
Trusting heron |
"Pompgemaal Beemster" pumping station, pumps deeper water into the channel |
De village Rijp between Beemster and Schermer, both drained land |
Lock in de Rijp |
Ferry at Akersloot |
Saturday 13 August Heemskerk - Noordwijk
Km = 52.44 Total 322.84
(Ijmuiden, Haarlem, Vogelenzang, Noordwijk)
Ijmuiden blast furnace city |
Ruin von Brederode < Spire of the church in Heemskerk |
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Haarlem, Bavo church and beautifully decorated facades |
House with a turret in the center of Haalem < Tower with a carillon of Bavo Church in Haarlem |
After a sumptuous breakfast we leave Heemskerk direction North Sea.
Where the North Sea Canal flows into the North Sea is called Ijmuiden. Large ships sail on the channel to Amsterdam.
Ijmuiden is known for its blast furnaces. From afar you can see drifts of smoke.
With the ferry we cross the river (free for cyclists) and reach the town of Ijmuiden, because the north side is
the giant ground blast furnace area.
We are now cycling towards Haarlem, the capital of North Holland.
Our sister Marianne went to school here and knows the way around in this area.
In the center we have a view of the St. Bavo church and the statue of Laurens Janszoon Coster, 1370 - 1440 Inventor
of the printing press. (for the Dutch)
He lived in this restaurant, where we are now drinking coffee, as stated on the inscription of a brass plate.
The carillon plays a melody that reminds me of my youth. Again, the bells are attached on the outside of the tower.
After a while we leave Haarlem. The remaining 20 km to Noordwijk (where we grew up), we know well. Quite a lot
has changed in the 50 years since we moved to Switzerland,
The reunion with our oldest sister, Ilse, is a highlight and it is clear that we will stay here a little longer.
Late in the afternoon is a flower parade on the Boulevard, the cars are decorated with pretty flowers, live music
and dancing girls.
Marianne, who accompanied us for 5 days, will return home. This evening her daughter will take her back home by
car.
Bennebroek |
Noordwijk and the newly inaugurated village square "Jeroenskerk" |
On the Boulevard is a flower parade |
Dancing girls on decorated wagons, |
even the military is present |
Restaurants are now also on the beach |
The Sailing Club of Noordwijk hasn't got a port |
Sunday 14th August Rest day in Noordwijk.
On Sunday morning we visit a flower show in the old church.
That is a good opportunity to look inside. When I was in Noordwijk, it was always closed until now.
The afternoon is reserved for friends and family visit.
At the beach you can play around without getting dirty |
In this old church is a flower show this afternoon |
Monday 15 August Noordwijk - Maasland
Km = 84.33 Total 407.17
(Katwijk, Scheveningen, Hoek van Holland, Maassluis)
The dunes between Noordwijk and |
Hoek van Holland. Whether touring rider |
or racer, all have their joy |
The "Oude Rijn" flows here in Katwijk underneath the road through the North Sea |
Highway for cyclists, segregated bike path with a green median strip |
We leave Noordwijk through the dunes to Katwijk. There, I take a photo of the
mouth of the "Oude Rijn". From The Oberalppass up to here in Katwijk it bears the names Rhine. The actual
main arm of the river gets another name at the border with Holland and flows to Rotterdam and Zeeland.
To Hoek van Holland, we cycle through the dunes, except through the cities of Wassenaar and Scheveningen. On the
smooth asphalt roads it is great for pedestrians and cyclists. For the first time I see a bike lane who is comparable
to a highway. The cycle path has two lanes, separated by a median strip of grass.
The dunes are densely covered with sea buckthorn, a plant that in this season has red to yellow
fruit. The fruits are vitamin C bombs, depending on the variety, it contains, 200 to 900 mg per 100 grams of berries,
compared to lemons or oranges, which have only 50 mg.
The Pier at Scheveningen |
They are as tame as the sparrows |
Cycling through the dunes is a pleasure |
At the end of the dunes starts |
the greenhouse culture |
The dunes are covered with sea buckthorn |
The Pier at Hoek van Holland. Salt water fish is the motto |
Sea shell and seaweed at the Pier |
After the dunes the ground is fertile, a mixture of sand and clay. Here grow alongside
flowers, fruits of all varieties. It's called the Westland between The Hague and Hoek van Holland. As far as the
eye can see, we see glass, it is the largest greenhouse area in the Netherlands called, "De glazen Stad "
(the glass city).
The pier at Hoek van Holland extends a few kilometers out into the sea. On both sides of the pier are fishermen.
A unique opportunity to catch sea fish, for both sides is salt water. We walk to the end of the pier. (cycling
not allowed). This area is called Europoort, and we see huge ships sailing to Rotterdam.
After 4 km. we come to the "Maeslantkering". It is a massive building and part of the Delta Project.
13 structures protect the south-west of Holland from flooding.
Along the New Waterway, that's the name of this river, a bike trail leads to Maassluis.
We take a break and then the GPS lead us to our accommodation address. After 10 Km. we face a magnificent converted
farmhouse with a huge surrounding property.
A luxury liner on the way to the sea |
Lighthouse at Hoek van Holland |
This freight goes to Rotterdam |
The "Maeslantkering" will protect the southwest of Holland against flooding |
Maeslantkering seen from above (scanning) |
Maassluis |
Canal with a lot of duckweed in Maassluis |
Tuesday 16 August Maasland - Noordwelle
Km = 75.63 Total 480.8
(Brielle, Oostvoorne, Rockanje, Haringvlietdam, Ouddorp Brouwersdam)
18 concrete poles must be driven 20 meters deep, in order to build a house with such a machine as on the right of the picture |
Maassluis a pretty town with many canals and bridges |
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Maassluis, the boy throws the fish back because they do not taste good |
The ferry runs straight towards us from Rozenburg |
We are not the only cyclists who make a multi-day tour |
Leaving our accommodation we return to the port of Maassluis. As ordered, the
ferry comes straight from the other side of Rozeburg, over to us.
The first city is Brielle, our goal for this morning. It is an old town, surrounded by a star-shaped moat and city
wall.
Through the "Kaaipoortje" we get into the city and cycle to the town hall square. A bronze statue of
the former Queen Wilhelmina adorns the square.
Not far away is the Catharijnenkerk from 1462 It was originally conceived as a much larger church to see at the
foundation. A recession was the reason that it became smaller than planned. The tower was never completed.
Via Oostvoorne and Rokanje we get to the second project of the delta, the 4.5 km long Haringvlietdam. The lock
complex is 1 km, with 17 through openings. The construction of the Haringvliet lasted 14 years.
On the dam two cyclists are looking for a part of their broken chain. Fortunately, I've parts of chain and tools
with me and soon the chain is patched.
Moat surrounded the town of Brielle |
Moat surrounded the town of Brielle |
Canals in Brielle Parish hall with a statue of Wilhelmina (former queen) in the foreground and Catharijnechurch in the background > |
After about 10 Km we get to the third project of the delta plan, the Brouwersdam.
The closure of the 6.5 km long and 30 meters deep waters is a rehearsal for the closure of the Oosterschelde, an
even bigger project which we will visit tomorrow. Neeltje Jans is called the Information Center.
Our hostess on the island of Schouwen-Duivelland is an enterprising woman; she has guest rooms and in addition
she runs a small campground.
So you stay on the correct route |
In earlier times a locomotive drove to Oostvoorne. The bronze figure has thrown the old railway track over its shoulder |
Left the road on the dike, then the bike trail, and deeper the channel |
Water is ubiquitous in Zeeland |
Prepared for cold days. Belgian horses |
Not petite but still beautiful horse |
Town square in Noordwelle |
Haringvlietdam |
Wednesday 17 August Noordwelle -
Middelburg
Km = 41.29 Total 524.09
(Oosterscheldedam, Neeltje Jans Expo, Veersedam, Veere, Middelburg)
Even with no wind, like today, you can see which way the wind blows normally |
Closed on Sundays, which is consistent. Zeeland is strictly Calvinist |
Because ebb and flow takes place at the surface, it is not profitable energy |
A pillar was built in reserve. It now serves as a climbing wall. With a rope sportsman slide back to the mainland |
The finished work < 66 such behemoths were built 30 to 40m high, depending on location with a weight of 18,000 t. (photo scan) |
Our hostess said; so calm this morning is rare on the island.
The trees are all bent to one side, not difficult to imagine which direction the wind normally blows.
We have only 13 kilometers to get to Neeltje Jans, an exhibition of the Deltaproject.
We spend the whole morning here and after we learned what is to be seen, we could stay here the whole day.
First we look at a film about the delta works and then make a tour by boat along the now finished work.
Because more than half of Holland is under sea level, it has implemented the delta works. A flood like in 1953
has to be avoided at all costs. The lowest town in the Netherlands is Nieuwer Kerk aan de Ijsel (east of Rotterdam)
with 6.76 m. below sea level, Amsterdam 2 m.
Picnic in the dunes |
Bike path through the dunes. You can find many e-mills in Zeeland, because the wind almost always blows |
Beach grass, is one of the few plants that grow in the dunes. They have long roots and keep the dunes on its place. |
In this way, a Dutch woman sitting on her bike |
Oosterscheldedam |
Initially they wanted to build a dam. That would have meant no more tides and
the salt water would change in fresh water, with devastating consequences for the environment. Environmental awareness
changed in the 70 years, and government decided to build a semi-open dam. A sluice with 65 huge pillars will close
the Oosterschelde with rising flood waters. A pillar weighing 18,000 tons, and is 30 to 38 meters height. Click here to learn
more about it.
In the afternoon we cycle through the dunes towards Veere. It seems that the summer is back.
Veere is worth a visit. Picturesque wooden houses, windmill, bell tower and at the Kaai houses with beautiful facades.
Here we take a lunch break.
To Middelburg, our overnight spot, it is only 12 kilometers an equally beautiful medieval city, just a bit bigger
than Veere.
Our hostess is already 81 but still young in spirit and agility. She has written two books of Dutch war children
who were sent to recover to the Alpine countries. Her husband was active at the Red Cross. It was a very entertaining
evening.
A wide beach on Noord-Beveland |
The mowers are busy at work |
Veere is worth a visit |
Veere is behind the dike |
An idyllic little road in Veere |
Thursday 18 August Middelburg - Hoogerheide
Km = 88.01 Total 612.1
(Goes, chapel, Kruiningen, Krabbendijke, Bergen op Zoom, Hoogerheide)
City Hall in Middelburg showpiece late Gothic |
Another type of bridge < Lange Jan 90,5m. |
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Graanmarkt in Middelburg (cereals) Oostkerk > |
Because the windows go open to the outside or not at all, so you have to clean them from the outside |
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Ankerpoort or Blauwpoort |
Click on image to read |
Church fair Goes |
Before we leave Middelburg we do a sightseeing tour to get to all the sights our
hostess has recommended.
After 30 km we arrive in Goes, again a nice town to stroll through.
First, however, we make a coffee break at a pastry shop.
There is a lot of business in town, because a fair is being prepared.
Further to the east we have a strong head wind, east wind is very uncommon, but the electric motor makes up again
with the wind.
In Kapelle it even begins to rain and we take no detours towards Bergen op Zoom, hoping the weather will be better.
In fact, after a while it stops raining and we can look at the city, go shopping and enjoy our coffee on a terrace.
Towards the evening the sky is getting darker, so we make our way to the overnight address.
Two more cyclists are staying overnight, and that gives a lot of conversation.
Rijn-Schelde-channel connection with Antwerp |
The marketplace in Bergen op Zoom |
Through the "Gevangenpoort" one comes to town |
< Front of Gevangenenpoort in Bergen op Zoom |
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Middelburg Town Hall and "de Peperbus" right |
Freitag 19. August Hoogerheide - Tilburg
Km. 80,36 = Total 692.46
( Essen = belgien, Zundert, Chaam, Gilze, Tilburg)
A small piece through Belgium |
"de paddenstoel" only indicates the direction and Km. |
At turn-offs are guide numbers |
Typical house in Brabant |
Church where the father of Vincent van Gogh was pastor ^ < Commemorative stone at the former home of Van Gogh |
The wind has turned 180 degrees and the sun greets us early in the morning.
Last night I had written down all the numbers of our route so that cycling away from traffic on bike paths is very
pleasant.
We go about 15 km through Belgium, and back in Dutch Brabant we reach the village Zundert.
Vincent van Gogh grew up in this village. (1853 - 1890 Auvers-sur-Oise)
Where once stood his birthplace, is now a museum. Vincent's father was a Protestant pastor in Zundert.
In the afternoon we visit the exhibition of Karel Appel in Zundert's museum. The exhibitions change from artist
to artist who feels inspired by Vincent van Gogh.
The landscape has changed from meadows, cows and canals in Zeeland, to forests and heath in Brabant, even in some
places hilly terrain.
Until Tilburg we cycle overland through forests and small villages.
Our host is a self-made man. The garden has various shrubs and trees, and with the fruits makes jam. A few years
ago he cycled with his family (the youngest was 7 years old at that time) a bicycle tour along the Limes-Route
and the Danube to Budapest.
Copy from the original picture of Van Gogh. Potatoes are replaced by chips. |
Such roads, many cyclists wish |
Here it goes slowly |
Saturday 20 August Tilburg - Oss
Km = 79.77 Total 772.23
(Oisterwijk, Kampina = heathland, Boxtel, Schijndel, Heeswijk-Dinther
Zevenbergen)
Corn mill in Brabant |
Wonderful to ride through forest and heath |
You should be sure to eat which one |
Auch in Brabant gibt es Heide |
Our host has made some suggestions for the best route to Oss.
Once on the "Knooppunt" route, the trail leads us through the heath of Kampina.
It is a pleasure to cycle through the forest and heath with almost no people and nice summer weather. I did not
expect so much heather in Brabant.
In the town of Boxtel we have the first coffee break. The town is nothing unusual, rather a big village, but the
coffee is still good.
The villages we pass through are not as nice as the historical ones in the north.
With such glorious summer weather we make a little more coffee and ice cream breaks.
At 5pm. we are back in Oss where we started our journey. I do preparatory work, such as to load the bikes into
the car so we can start early Sunday morning driving back to Switzerland.
Picnic times |
Farmhouse in Brabant |
This road runs through the whole city of Oss. Cars are allowed but have no precedence. In some cities, I have seen such bike-roads > |