Goes, Colijnsplaat and Heinkenszand

Explore the northern part of Central Zeeland and cycle across Noord-Beveland. The former island is connected to the mainland by three dams and a bridge. Centuries ago, there was a temple near Colijnsplaat dedicated to the Celtic-Germanic patron goddess of fishermen and sailors: Nehalennia. At the end of the third century, people left the area due to German invasions, but also because the area was constantly flooded. After a major storm surge, the first dikes were constructed in 1014. Mounds were also raised. After another storm surge in 1134, the whole of Noord-Beveland was diked, but to no avail: in 1134 stormy winds pushed the water so high that the entire island was flooded. The villages of Colijnsplaat and Kats were built in 1598 and Wissenkerke was also created in the following century. After that, the reclamation went quickly: in 1684, the whole of Noord-Beveland was reclaimed. During the Flood Disaster (1953), what is known as 'the miracle of Colijnsplaat' took place: a dike breach was narrowly prevented. This relatively nice cycle route leads through a lovely, atmospheric landscape full of winding creeks with sloping banks and beautiful reed collars. In the swampy, rural area you cycle past characteristic farms and through fields and orchards. Goes is a town that has a relatively quiet history. Goes was not affected much by the First and Second World Wars; only one death occurs when a British plane accidentally drops bombs in the wrong location. Even during the flood of 1953, Goes remained out of harm's way, the dikes north of the city provided the necessary protection. Goes gradually grew and the industry and service center expanded. The growth continues; In 2013, neighborhoods are still being prepared to accommodate more residents.