Genemuiden, Zwolle and IJsselmuiden

Creek ridges, river dunes, gullies, mounds, sandbanks... It is not without reason that the IJssel Delta was declared a National Landscape in 2005. Here you can see the typical Dutch polder landscape at its best. The IJssel Delta National Landscape consists of the Mastenbroek polder, the Kampereiland, the Mandjeswaard, the De Pieper polder and the edges along the west bank of the IJssel. The area can also boast the fact that the oldest Dutch stone sea wall is in the area: the Stenen Dijk. There are three old Hanseatic cities in the area, two of which you will visit during this cycle tour.

In the Middle Ages, the Hanseatic city of Zwolle arose along the Aa, on a higher cover sand ridge in an area that was otherwise very swampy. The height differences are still noticeable in the Overijssel capital. In Zwolle, past and present go well together. The cultural offer is varied and age-old monuments and modern buildings blend seamlessly into each other. Here tourism does not detract from the authenticity of the city, but rather adds a new dimension to it! Zwolle is the partner city of Lünen, Germany. Cultural exchanges are regularly organized, which enrich both cities. Traditionally, there has been a rivalry between Zwolle and nearby Kampen. The nickname "blue fingers" for the people of Zwolle was coined by the residents of Kampen as a joking nickname.

According to a folk tale, Zwolle sold a chime from a burned tower in Kampen, with the condition that the people of Kampen could determine how the amount would be paid. The full price was paid in four-digit pieces, copper coins of low value. The people of Zwolle got blue fingers from counting the coins.

Kampen was also a Hanseatic city. The town grew considerably in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, mainly due to its favorable location on the IJssel. Skippers sail back and forth and even now, in the 21st century, the water plays an important role: with a dozen marinas and ideal surfing and swimming water, the water is optimally used for recreation.