Through De Biesbosch and along Neder-Hardinxveld

De Biesbosch National Park consists of river islands and sand and mud flats, located in a water-rich area. It is a polder landscape with fields that are used for vegetable, fruit and livestock farming. These form a nice contrast with the ruggedness of nature: adventurous trails, dense forests and lovely watercourses. Beavers and otters keep coots, ducks, geese and grebes company in and around the ponds, while herons hunt for fresh fish and other birds of prey search above the meadows for smaller prey. Among the greenery you can see the cheerful yellow, deep purple and beautiful white of flowering valerian, swamp herb and loosestrife. Much has been written about the cultural history in this area, but a good sense of atmosphere and nostalgia resonates from the poems that residents of the region put on paper. These writings have been distributed and can be read by the public in various places in the area. The verses often paint a beautiful picture of the history of the Biesbosch. The route starts at TOP Biesbosch. You cycle deeper into the watery nature reserve, where giant balsam spreads its wonderfully sweet scent. Before you drive into Werkendam, you will see Fort Steurgat. This fortress used to defend the Dutch rivers and consisted of a bomb-proof barracks that connected two underground powder magazines. The complex was built in 1881 at the end of the Waterliniepad and is part of the New Dutch Waterline. The fort has been repurposed as a residential island, several villas, apartments and penthouses have been built on it. In Werkendam you can read a poem entitled'My hometown\\\', written by a resident. Further along the route near Sleuwijk you will come across another verse:'The elements\\\'.