Along the Zevenhuizerplas and the Rottemeren

Like much of the Netherlands, the Bleiswijk area was once a peat area. Because the cities around Bleiswijk grew after the Middle Ages, the peat was further excavated. However, in the eighteenth century the peat ponds flooded, after which it was decided to drain a large part of this area. Only the Rottemeren remained, a system of different lakes that are connected to each other. These are widenings of the Rotte river. After the reclamation, the surrounding polders started to settle and peat, so that the Rottemeren are now higher than the polders. There is a recreational area of 900 hectares around the Rottemeren where you can enjoy cycling. The route leads you along the Zevenhuizerplas to the east side of the Rottemeren. Here you drive past a number of beautiful windmills. First you pass the Eendrachtsmolen, built in 1727, a ground sailor that drained the Eendragtspolder on your right. The Eendrachtsmolen got its current name when it was the only one left from the former mill corridor. The ground sailor is still turning to change the water of the Rotte. A little further on is the four-mill mill that provided drainage for the Tweemanspolder. The four windmills in a row are typical Dutch gems in the flat landscape. You cycle close to two of the four: Tweemanspolder Molen 3 (from 1792) and the Tweemanspolder Molen 4 (from 1722). You can see the other two in the distance. The mill corridor can also be admired while it is running: the mills turn twice a month on Saturdays. The route branches off at Moerkapelle. You reach the other side of the Eendragtspolder via Zevenhuizen. The 2 km long Willem-Alexander Baan rowing course is located in this watery lake area. This was opened in 2013 by (then) Crown Prince Willem-Alexander. There are regular (inter)national rowing competitions. You can enjoy cycling on the quays around the rowing course. This swampy area also has a lookout tower that offers you a beautiful view of the Rotterdam skyline and the polder around you. The route starts and ends at Van der Valk Rotterdam-Nieuwerkerk, located on the edge of Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel in a calm and green environment. An ideal place to relax, for example with a luxurious wellness treatment. You can also have a delicious lunch or dinner here in the attractive restaurant, with varied dishes on the menu. You can enjoy a snack and a drink on the beautiful terrace. The luxurious and spacious rooms are equipped with all amenities. After an overnight stay you will be completely refreshed and ready to drive route 144214. The hotel rents bicycles with 7 gears and E-bikes, even if you do not use the accommodation! On the left side of the entrance there is a gauge that indicates that this hotel is located at the lowest point in the Netherlands: 6.76 meters below NAP. This point was created in 1841 when the Zuidplaspolder was drained.