Cross the border at Hulst

Hulst is perhaps the most Flemish city in the Netherlands. The pleasant Dutch-Flemish mix is the result of various reorganizations and border changes, which have caused two cultures to merge. Hulst is a fortified city, which makes cycling near the city extra special. The city, which was originally unfortified, grew into an impressive defense structure. Strongholds and ramparts were erected around the city and made Hulst an almost impregnable fortified city. Hulst was permanently occupied by soldiers to defend it or to make raids on surrounding garrisons. Marching armies could retreat safely, while the military had a strategic power base in the city from which to plan attacks. History has been kind to Hulst and many beautiful sights from earlier times have been preserved. For example, the age-old city gates from (including the beginning of) the 18th century can still be seen in full glory and there are strongholds (defensive wall of a defense structure such as a fort or redoubt) and city walls that surround the city. The cycle tour also takes you past the Hulst City Mill. This brick upper porter was built in 1792 to grind the grain of the soldiers stationed in Hulst. When the mill became state property and came to a standstill after 1930, it fell into disrepair, but was restored in 1956. The Stadsmolen, previously called's Lands Molen, is one of the few mills that has a wooden hoop.