Drimmelen and Hooge Zwaluwe

De Biesbosch National Park consists of a number of river islands and sand and mudflats, located between the rivers Boven-Merwede and Amer. It is wonderful to cycle between the many creeks and willow flood forests, which are used recreationally, but also serve as a water storage where drinking water is prepared. Purple loosestrife, white valerian and yellow marshwort flourish on the colorful banks. Along the way you will see ducks, grebes and coots floating on the water, where herons find their food. They are joined in the air by the buzzard and the harrier who are looking for field mice. The lucky nature lover will also see a pair of sea eagles on the hunt. Cycle along the border of the waters of the Biesbosch through the Prinsenpolder. Here the water still plays a major role, but the many mills dominate the area. Farmers make hay on their land and between the vast fields and fields you will find the village atmosphere of Made and Hooge Zwaluwe, for example. The Zeldenrust mill, located in Hooge Zwaluwe, is also worth a visit. This mill was built in 1866 to grind grain as a flour mill. The mill had this function until 1946. The mill was then sold for the symbolic amount of 1 guilder to the Zeldenrust Mill Foundation, which maintains the building. Between 1990 and 1994 the mill was restored and made fully operational again. The mill is still regularly put into operation by volunteer millers and the mill can be visited by the public on the West Brabant Mill Day (24 March), the National Mill Day (11 May) and during the Open Monument Day. If you would like to come and take a look on another day, you can make an appointment.