Hellevoetsluis, Brielle

The Hellevoetsluis fortress was built in the early seventeenth century to strengthen the port. Until the nineteenth century, the fortress was important as a port, but because the canal was dug through Voorne around 1830, a lively trade and passage to Rotterdam developed and activity decreased. Later, during the Second World War, the Germans demolished part of the city to create a better field of fire and Hellevoetsluis deteriorated even further. After the war, reconstruction of the city began and in 1960 the three municipalities of Hellevoetsluis, Nieuw-Helvoet and Nieuwenhoorn were merged into one new, large municipality. In the 1970s, the number of residents of Hellevoetsluis doubled and several new neighborhoods were built. The port influences are still clearly noticeable in Hellevoetsluis, although the port now has more of a recreational than a commercial interest.

The route starts at the Citta Romana holiday park. This holiday park is a suitable base, especially for nature and water lovers. Numerous beaches and a few beautiful nature reserves such as the Quackjeswater and the Tenallaplas are within cycling distance. The holiday park itself has spacious houses with a Romanesque touch. There is an indoor swimming pool, so you can swim some laps or take a refreshing dip regardless of the weather. You can have a delicious dinner in the restaurant or enjoy a drink on the terrace. We recommend an overnight stay so that you can take advantage of the package with route 121365 and explore this tour well-rested.

The first attraction of the cycle tour is Museum in den Halven Maen, where old groceries, tobacco products, hats and clothing can be seen. It is the smallest museum in Voorne-Putten. The special garden, which contains all kinds of silly jokes, is also fun to visit.

In Rockanje there is a post mill that has had five predecessors at this location. The current mill was built of brick in 1718 to prevent it from blowing over, just like the previous mill. After a restoration in 1988, the mill stood still for a number of years, until a new owner renovated it in 2008. The mill has been running again since the spring of 2009.

Via the Monument fussilade 6 December 1944, which was placed in the dunes near Rockanje in memory of the fussilade of six people, you arrive at Badhotel Rockanje & Brasserie Lodgers. Here you can take a break and enjoy a drink in the sun. From here you can walk to the beach and enjoy a panoramic view of the sea. It is also possible to have lunch here or simply enjoy a tasty piece of cake.

Then you cycle to the Oostvoorne mill. The ground sailor built in 1821 was used as a grist mill. Until 1950 this was done using wind power, but then an electric motor was installed. The mill was first restored between 1964 and 1966. The mill was so dilapidated at the beginning of the 21st century that it was decided to carry out a major restoration again. The mill has been completely restored and has been fully operational again since the spring of 2004. The mill can also be visited when it is running, except on National Mill Day.

An impressive building is the water tower in Brielle, built in 1923. With a height of approximately 40 meters and a water reservoir of 200 cubic meters, it is a gigantic tower. The mill was decommissioned in 1984 and the tower was sold in 2006 for a symbolic amount of €1. The condition was that the water tower would be restored within a year. The restoration has not yet been completed (May 2013).

Another beautiful windmill that you will see during your bike ride is De Hoop tower mill. The mill from 1801 was originally used for grinding grain and was restored in 1963 and 1992. In the years between the restoration works, the mill had been repurposed as housing an architectural firm, a goldsmith and a number of artists. In 2001, a major restoration was carried out and the mill was delivered as good as new again. However, the mill no longer grinds.

Finally you pass the Zeezicht mill, which was built in 1717. The ground sailer was used as a flour mill, but stood still during repairs. In 1994 the mill was temporarily dismantled to receive a new roof in 1995 and a new shelter was installed in 1997. The mill is still fully operational, but has no fixed running times. The mill can usually be visited at weekends.

If you want to cycle a cycle route from the hotel, choose the route; 121368