Bergen op Zoom and the Markiezaatsmeer

The first wall of the fortified city of Bergen op Zoom was completed in 1335. That round shape can still be found in the street plan. The Lievevrouwepoort city gate has also been preserved. Bergen op Zoom, an important trading city, developed into a garrison city after 1600. You cycle around the Markiezaatsmeer. This part of the Oosterschelde was closed off from the sea in 1984 by a dam, the Markiezaatskade. Via Ossendrecht you start the second half of your route. You cross the national borders for a short visit to our southern neighbors and then pass through the eastern edge of the Wouwse Plantage. At't Appeltje you can enjoy a drink on a terrace in the woods. Then you cycle past the gardens of Landgoed Lievensberg, which also consists of sand drifts and pine forests.