Cultural poetry route Altena Biesbosch

Biesbosch National Park is a source of inspiration for anyone who takes the time to truly appreciate nature. Residents of the region have written remarkable poems, which can be read in various locations throughout the Biesbosch National Park. The watery surroundings are home to a wide variety of birds, from ducks and coots to a unique pair of sea eagles and a whole population of herons. Occasionally, you might see an otter taking a refreshing dip, but the hardworking beavers also feel right at home along the banks of the creeks. The river islands, sandbanks, and mudflats are enlivened by the sweet scent of Himalayan balsam, the yellow flowers of marsh grass, the cheerful purple of purple loosestrife, and the white of valerian. In the numerous polders nestled between the creeks and willow floodplains, farmers make hay. The area is used for drinking water storage, but it is also a popular recreational area. The route starts at the parking lot near the Altena Biesbosch Tourist Information Office. There you can also find more information about the history of the Biesbosch, the diversity of flora and fauna along the rugged paths and charming creeks, as well as the many cultural and historical sights in the area. The tourist office is located near a well-known national monument. It won't be long before you see Loevestein Castle and Fort looming at the confluence of the Meuse and Waal rivers. The castle was built as early as 1361. The castle has gone through three periods of different use: in the Middle Ages, it served as a knight's castle; later, it was used as a state prison (Hugo de Groot escaped from the complex); and it became a defensive structure part of the New Dutch Waterline. The Battery under Poederoijen, built on the Meuse between 1879 and 1886, was also part of the New Dutch Waterline. Construction was time-consuming because the ground on which the battery was built subsided several times. These subsidences also influenced the design; the fortress is now smaller than originally intended. As you cycle further to De Hoop windmill, you'll encounter the poem "Stromenland." The verses were written by a local resident inspired by the cultural history and beauty of the area and are well worth reading. De Hoop is a round stone smock mill. The mill is still operational and runs on a voluntary basis. What makes this mill special is that it stands on a dike where traffic passes underneath. The sails are so long that trucks have to take a different route, otherwise they might not be able to pass under the mill. Those who wish to visit De Hoop can do so on Saturdays, but the mill is also open for weddings. The last part of the cycle route is adorned with three more poems about the area: 'De kaaie paole', 'De poorten van het hof', and 'Vastbesloten'.