Island of Schalwijk route

This route, with Houten as the starting point, leads you through the Kromme Rijn region, this area is part of the Rivierenland National Landscape. A beautiful vast area, predominantly agricultural, with a variety of meadows and fruit orchards. You cycle along the Lek, the floodplains, but you also pass by forts of the New Dutch Waterline. You return to the starting point via the characteristic green village of Werkhoven. Sights along the way Fort Honswijk In the area between the former Zuiderzee and the Biesbosch, a defense structure was constructed from the end of the 16th century: the New Dutch Waterline. By flooding large areas of land, the cities were protected from enemies. In the later built forts along the line, soldiers were on standby. You cycle past Fort Werk aan de Waalse Wetering and Fort Honswijk, with the associated Fort Lunet aan de Snel. Fort Honswijk was built in 1841 and was the first and largest of all the forts. Many forts nowadays have a recreational and "green" function. Both forts are not open to the public. Tea garden De Winkel On the Nachtdijk you will find tea garden De Winkel, open daily from April to October, also for lunches and high tea, from 11 am to 6 pm. Samaya On the Hollendewagenweg you will see the Samaya conference center. Conferences and workshops are now held in this former Augustinian monastery. There are also options for an individual multi-day stay. The Samaya chapel is an official wedding location of the municipality of Bunnik. Chateau de Akker The Mesopotamians were already making drinks from grapes 7,000 years ago. Due to climate change, special grape varieties and improved techniques for growing grapes on cold soil, the border of wine-making countries is moving further and further north. Although supermarkets are not yet overflowing with Dutch wine, home-grown wine is becoming increasingly popular. This cycling route is offered to you by VVV Wijk bij Duurstede. For more information about this region, visit www.vvvwijkbijduurstede.nl