Philippine, Bassevelde and Waterland-Oudeman

This route follows the Belgian-Dutch border for a considerable distance, just south of Zeeuws-Vlaanderen. Its starting point is the Sint-Pieterspolder, one of the centuries-old polders belonging to the Polders of Albert and Isabella. After Philippine was founded in 1505, there was still a salt marsh, a piece of land that had accreted outside the dikes. This salt marsh, "belonging to the Lords of the Council of Flanders," or the Raadsherenschor (Councilors' Salt Marsh), was reclaimed several times in the 17th century. Each time, the area flooded, and in the early 19th century, a dike breach resulted in the loss of part of the polder. Subsequently, 203 hectares of the Sint-Pieterspolder were reclaimed – the current polder. You'll encounter traces of the sea everywhere here, although it seems very distant these days. It's no coincidence that you cycle through the creek area of Meetjesland, which extends across the border region. The route takes you along the beautiful Red Geul and the Great Geul – old flood channels. The shallow creeks surrounded by reed beds, grasslands, and rows of trees have a truly authentic feel. Here you can still see what the landscape must have been like before the land reclamation began. If you're a nature lover, be sure to stop here to take a closer look at the flora and fauna. You might even spot one of the many breeding birds, such as the marsh harrier or sedge warbler. If you take the route in winter or early spring, you might see hundreds of waterfowl that spend the winter here, including greylag geese. Also, pay attention to what's growing around you; the banks are home to a wide variety of plants, including yellow iris, red eyebright, marsh forget-me-not, and cuckoo flower. Before you leave, pack a nature guide – it's worth it! Even around the nearby village of Sint-Jan-in-Eremo, there was a battle against the sea in the Middle Ages. Dikes were built, but storm surges swept everything away. Higher and sturdier dikes arose, villages were built, and ultimately, the battle against the sea was won. Small and large creeks, carved out by the raging sea, remain as silent witnesses. These small lakes in the fertile polder landscape form a unique panorama. Boerenkreek is the largest in the Meetjesland region. Before continuing, take a look at the beautiful Sint-Jan-in-Eremo with its romantic church. At the end of the route, it's worth cycling into Philippine—especially if you're hungry and love mussels. This village of only 2,200 inhabitants boasts some 800 restaurant seats, spread across eight restaurants. Fun fact: five of the eight patrons are related. They share the same grandfather: Arie Wiskerke, a mussel fisherman who opened a mussel restaurant here in 1949. Enjoy!