From Schoonhoven along the Lek to Kinderdijk

Follow the Lek from TOP Schoonhoven, which is an ancient driving force. The first stream of the Lek originated around 200 BC, but the stream only really became active around the year zero, when it started to drain water from the Rhine. When the original Rhine course was dammed in 1122, the Lek began to resemble the undulating main stream it is today. Enjoying the beautiful view over the water, you cycle along the Alblasserwaard and you may see the many windmills of Kinderdijk in the distance when the weather is clear. The vast peat area is intersected by ditches, canals and two small rivers: the Alblas and the Giessen. The area derives its characteristic, historical identity in particular from the many windmills along the Kinderdijk in Nieuw-Lekkerland. The windmills are on the World Heritage List and are iconic for the area. All these mills ensured that the excess water, which reached the Alblasserwaard when flooding occurred, was pumped upwards. It was then discharged into the river through sluices. In World War II, this even happened without electrical assistance.