Experience the nature of Elburg and the surrounding area from A. Vogeltuinen / Zorgboerderij Westbroek

This route takes you through the vast polder between Elburg and Kampen. The landscape here mainly consists of grasslands intersected by many watercourses. This area has been exploited since the twelfth century. In the polder you can still see several old dikes where the Zuiderzee once lapped against. You cycle a few kilometers along the right bank of the Drontermeer where you have a beautiful view of the rippling water and the forests of the Flevopolder on the other side. While cycling you will pass three estates. Soon after boarding you will pass Schouwenburg Estate. The name Schouwenburg dates back to the fourteenth century. Over the centuries, several noble families have lived there, and the house is now privately owned. At Oosterwolde you pass the Morren Estate. This estate dates from the seventeenth century, the homestead has been extensively renovated several times. The accompanying park is designed according to the English landscape style. On the edge of Wezep is the IJsselvliedt Estate, where the park is decorated in French style. The estate dates from 1650, the current country house was built in 1824 in neoclassical style. The route also takes you through the fortress of Elburg, the Hanseatic city that once lay on the Zuiderzee. Take the time to step off and look around at the many beautiful historic buildings. Also note the characteristic cobblestone sidewalks in front of some old houses, which are protected by Monuments. These sidewalks are made of white cobblestones and have inlaid figures of black cobblestones. The story goes that the sidewalks were laid from boulders found nearby. The village of Nooreinde, a little further away, has also left its mark on our history. During the French occupation at the beginning of the nineteenth century, a French customs post was located in the former primary school on the dike. It was set up here because a lot of smuggling took place across the Zuiderzee during the occupation.