Stork route through the Fens

Stork route through the Fens
This relatively short cycle route runs through the watery polders of De Venen. This area - which is part of the Green Heart - covers the northwestern part of the province of Utrecht and extends to the Nieuwkoopse Plassen in South Holland. The extensive peat meadow area has a typical Dutch character with characteristic, elongated plots. These were created in the 12th century by draining swamps. The Fens is a wetland area because peat has been excavated in various places. The special landscape offers beautiful panoramas with remains of a rich history, such as forts, mills, old ribbon villages, farms with orchards and country estates.
The cycle route starts at the Tourist Transfer Point (TOP) Oortjespad and runs along medieval waterways that lie between small, characteristic villages in De Venen. Oortjespad is named after the road of the same name, which used to be an old toll path (an eartje is an old Dutch coin, worth 1/4 stuiver). This road was also a church path until the 19th century, leading to the Roman Catholic secret church in Teckop

The route takes you past the small Kamerik and Zegveld, but also through historic Woerden. The Stork Route takes you past places where you have the opportunity to see these migratory birds; the places where they look for food or on their nesting posts and roof nests. In the vicinity of the Meije nature reserve, the meadows along the Hazekade, the Molenweg in Zegveld and the Oortjespad you have the greatest chance of spotting a stork. At Oortjespad there is a visitor center, a petting zoo and catering facilities with terraces on the water. Three other marked cycle routes of around 30-35 km depart from the TOP. More information about this can be found at www.toproutenetwerk.nl

A few tips
Nieuwkoopse Plassen
You can enjoy cycling and walking around the Nieuwkoopse Plassen. This special nature reserve is a true oasis of peace and space for plants, animals and people. There is much to see and experience on and around the water, such as flowery meadows and extensive reed fields. Moreover, the Nieuwkoopse Plassen are known for the many birds, including the purple heron.
Visitor center Oortjespad
Information about the area'De Venen\\\' can be found in the Oortjespad Visitor Center, directly at the TOP. There is a lot for children to experience and discover. The permanent exhibition answers questions such as which animals live in the ditch and which meadow birds you hear. There is a petting zoo next to the visitor center.
City Museum Woerden
In the former town hall of Woerden you will find Woerden City Museum. It is a small-scale and attractive museum with an interesting collection. Here you will find landscapes from the Green Heart of the Hague School and works by important Woerden artists. Address: Kerkplein6, Woerden. Opening hours: Wed and Sat 10am-5pm, Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sun 1pm-5pm.

For more information about this TOP