Through De Biesbosch and along Neder-Hardinxveld

National Park De Biesbosch consists of river islands and sand and mud flats, located in a wetland area. It is a polder landscape with fields used for vegetable, fruit and livestock farming. These form a nice contrast to the ruggedness of nature: adventurous paths, dense forests and lovely watercourses. Beavers and otters keep coots, ducks, geese and grebes company in and around the pools, while herons hunt for a fresh fish and other birds of prey search above the meadows for smaller prey. Between the green you can see the cheerful yellow, the deep purple and the beautiful white of flowering valerian, bogweed and loosestrife. Much has been written about the cultural history in this area, but a good sense of atmosphere and nostalgia reverberate from the poems that residents of the region put on paper. These writings are scattered and can be read by the public at 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 wetland nature reserve, where giant balsam spreads its wonderful sweet scent. Before you enter Werkendam, you will see Fort Steurgat. This fortress used to defend the Dutch rivers and consisted of a bombproof 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 given a new destination as a residential island, on which several villas, apartments and penthouses have been built. In Werkendam you can read a poem entitled'My hometown\\\', written by a resident. Further on the route at Sleuwijk you will come across another verse:'The elements\\\'.