Biervliet, Terneuzen and Hoek

Explore the banks along the open water of the Braakman Creek, where people like to relax. There is a peninsula with bungalows, a marina and all kinds of water sports are practiced on and in the 205 hectares of water: from sailing and rowing to swimming and fishing. The creek not only has an irresistible attraction for people. Water birds, such as the tufted duck and the godwit, also like to use the creek and seek out the area as a resting place. Approximately 500 hectares of forest have also been planted in the Braakman polder, creating a beautiful combination of forests, meadows and open water. The plants that you can find in the Braakman area include parnassia, creeping willow, sea green sedge, swamp wasp orchid, flesh-colored orchid, broadleaf orchid and beetle orchid. In the polder, skylark, meadow pipit, yellow wagtail, summer teal and lapwing whistle the highest song. Here, at the former estuary of the Western Scheldt, you can expect conviviality and fun, combined with the beauty of nature. But the highlight of your cycling tour may be the Windlust mill, which looms on the horizon in Hoek. The round, brick mill was built in 1857 to grind corn. Windlust replaces a post mill that previously fulfilled this function. Some parts of that mill were repurposed into the current one. Windlust was in operation until 1958, but then the mill fell into disrepair. Restorations at the Windlust took place in 1979/1980 and 2009. From hotel De Gentsche Poort you not only start this cycling tour, but also route 136822. The hotel is the ideal place for an overnight stay, so that you can cycle both routes. In the evening you can enjoy a relaxing dinner and a drink in the hotel, or relax in your room with a book in front of the television. In any case, the cozy family hotel is a warm bath that you can relax in after your trip.