Zwijndrecht, Dordrecht and the Polder Biesbosch

With almost 120,000 inhabitants, Dordrecht is the fourth largest city in the province of South Holland. Three rivers meander around the city that converge just outside the city limits: the Beneden-Merwede, the Noord and the Oude Maas. There is a lot of traffic on the water; it is the busiest water hub in Europe, due to the location of Rotterdam. Dordrecht, also known as'Dordt\\\', is first mentioned in a text from the twelfth century. Then the city, which received city rights in 1220, was still called Thuredrech. Thuredrech developed into one of the six largest and most important trading cities in the Netherlands, but later this importance declined. When you cycle through the city, this rich past will undoubtedly still speak to you through the many old buildings. You can also escape the hustle and bustle of the city during your bike ride in De Biesbosch National Park. The park consists of a number of river islands and sand and mud flats, located between the rivers Boven-Merwede and the Amer. It is wonderful to cycle between the many creeks and tidal willow forests, which are used recreationally, but also serve as water storage where drinking water is prepared. Purple loosestrife, white valerian and yellow bogweed grow on colorful banks, while giant balsam spreads a wonderfully sweet scent in the area. Along the way you see ducklings, grebes and coots floating on the water, in which herons find their food. They are joined in the air by the buzzard and the harrier who are looking for voles. The lucky nature lover also sees a pair of sea eagles on the hunt. Special viewing huts have been built for bird lovers. But the population of otters and beavers is also growing in the Biesbosch. At the start and end points of the route you can bring your bicycle to Profile Gulden for a service. Maintenance and minor repairs are carried out in no time here and with the bicycle discount pass you will receive a nice discount of 10 euros on these activities from the bicycle specialist. This way you are guaranteed to be safe on the road.