Hank, Werkendam and Almkerk

The Biesbosch has a wealth of special, colorful plants and beautiful animals. Many birds enjoy the wealth that the ponds, creeks and fens have to offer and settle in the surrounding forests. A pair of white-tailed eagles nest in the area, but herons also fish in the Biesbosch. Ducks, grebes and coots swim on the water, while harriers and buzzards hunt for succulent voles in the polders. Otters take a refreshing dip in the water, while beavers are hard at work building their nests and dams. The river islands, sand and mud flats of the Biesbosch are colored by the yellow swamp herb, the white valerian and the purple loosestrife. Giant balsam gives off a soft sweet scent and in the polders farmers make hay on their land. There are also history lessons to be learned in the form of historic forts on this bike tour. Fort Steurgat and Fort Altena are parts of the New Dutch Waterline, which was built to defend the Dutch rivers. Fort Steurgat has a bombproof barracks that connected two underground powder magazines. The fort was built in 1881 and had to close off the Merwede at the end of the Waterliniepad. In 2013, the existing buildings have been converted into villas, penthouses and apartments on an exclusive residential island. Fort Altena was built between 1840 and 1850 as a closure of the Gorinchem-Breda road and the Uppelsche Dijk. The original round earthen redoubt had a free-standing bombproof tower. It was surrounded by a moat with a drawbridge. South of the tower was a barracks, but there was also room for artillery. The fort is still used for recreation; there will be facilities for events and meetings, but bicycles and canoes will also be rented.