Dussen, Nieuwendijk and Hank

Beautiful sand and mudflats and remote river islands lie between creeks and willow tidal forests. De Biesbosch National Park, located between the Boven-Merwede and Amer rivers, is a source of inspiration for nature lovers. Colorful banks with purple loosestrife, white valerian or yellow marshweed form a fairytale picture, which is completed by the subtle sweet scent that giant balsam spreads. The farmers in the polders make hay on their land and seem to have stepped straight out of a painting.

When you explore this area by bike, you will see ducks, grebes and coots floating on the water, where herons find their food. Otters hunt the same fish in the wetland area. The buzzard and harrier soar high in the air and prefer field mice or rabbits. If you are really lucky, you may also see a pair of sea eagles hunting. The many birds can be spotted from specially built viewing huts. The natural and recreational value is not only enormous, but De Biesbosch is also of great social importance: the area serves as a water storage where drinking water is prepared.

And then suddenly, on the edge of De Biesbosch National Park, just when you thought it couldn't get any more beautiful, Fort Bakkerskil rises. Like all forts on the New Dutch Waterline, this fortress was also strategically built in a weak spot in the defense line. This beautiful fort was built between 187 and 1880 to protect the Papsluis. The fort housed hundreds of soldiers in both World Wars, but ultimately no fighting took place here. The complex has not been used for military purposes since 1951. Today the impressive complex is a national monument.