Cross the border at Hulst

Hulst is perhaps the most Flemish city in the Netherlands. The cozy Dutch-Flemish mix is due to various rearrangements and border changes, as a result of which two cultures have started to overlap. Hulst is a fortified city, which makes cycling in the vicinity of the city extra special. The city, which was originally unfortified, grew into an impressive fortification. Bulwarks 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 launch raids on surrounding garrisons. Marching armies could retreat safely, while the military in the city had a strategic power base to plan attacks. History has been kind to Hulst and many beautiful sights from earlier times have been preserved. For example, the ancient city gates from (including the beginning of) the 18th century can still be seen in full regalia and there are bulwarks (defensive wall of a defense structure such as a fort or redoubt) and ramparts that surround the city. The bike ride also leads you past the Stadsmolen van Hulst. 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, formerly known as's Lands Molen, is one of the few windmills that has a wooden hoop catch.