Round Hellevoetsluis

At the beginning of the seventeenth century, a fortified town was built to strengthen the existing harbour. Hellevoetsluis grew until the nineteenth century because of the importance of the port town, but when the port of Rotterdam was opened up around 1830 by the construction of a canal, activity in Hellevoetsluis declined. The town suffered a heavy blow during World War II, when the Germans demolished a large part of it to improve their field of fire. After the war, a lot of hard work was done to restore Hellevoetsluis to its old allure. In 1960, the three municipalities of Hellevoetsluis, Nieuw-Helvoet and Nieuwenhoorn were merged into one new, large municipality and Hellevoetsluis grew in the years that followed. The port influences are still clearly noticeable. Its commercial importance has declined, but the harbor has regained a strong recreational value. Those who want to escape the bustle of the built-up area can indulge themselves in the nearby Annabos. Willows, oaks, ash and alders grow in this relatively young forest, which was created in 1980. Birds build their nests in the tops of the trees and whistle the highest song on the branches, while buzzards hunt the smaller mammals and spotted woodpeckers accompany your bike ride with a pleasant drumming on the tree trunks. You look out over a vast meadow at the edge of the forest. Spoonbills and little egrets know how to find the grassy land because they look for food here. You can park your car for free at holiday park Citta Romana. We recommend that you book a stay here so that you can fully enjoy the beautiful surroundings. For example, you can use our cycling package and explore route 121366 from the hotel, get a breath of fresh air on the nearby beaches or take a look at the beautiful surrounding nature reserves, such as the Quackjeswater. In the holiday park itself you can relax in cosy, furnished holiday homes in Romanesque style. Sports enthusiasts can swim a few laps in an indoor swimming pool after the bike ride, while you can dine Burgundian in the restaurant or enjoy a nice drink on the terrace. Fourteen kilometers after you have left the holiday park, you will pass the Resistance Monument Hellevoetsluis, which commemorates two resistance fighters from Nieuwenhoorn who were shot in 1945. Close to the monument you will see the Zeezicht windmill. This ground sailer from 1717 can be viewed when it is running. A major restoration took place in 1994, during which the mill was dismantled to get a new hood and a new flight. In early 2013, the mill received a new concrete band around the foundation to strengthen it. Lightship 12 Noord-Hinder is anchored in the harbor of Hellevoetsluis. This ship has been converted into a museum ship. In the harbor of the Municipality of Hellevoetsluis you will also find several cozy terraces, where you can linger for a while to look out over the harbor. You then cycle on to Restaurant't Karrewiel. This restaurant is located in a beautiful monumental farm. The interior is tastefully decorated with an old Dutch farmhouse interior. While enjoying an aperitif you can choose from delicious typical Dutch dishes from grandmother's time in this special setting.