Tour of Zwin, Sluis and Retranchement

You first cycle along the Zwin, a unique cross-border nature reserve. This is the former sea arm that connected Bruges to the North Sea. Over the centuries it has silted up. The current beach channel now forms the border between the Netherlands and Belgium. Incidentally, the associated border post with number 369 is completely on Dutch territory, because it kept washing away in its original place. In the Zwin there is a rare active creek system of salt marshes, mud flats, beaches and dunes by Dutch standards. A beautiful nature reserve! In the vast polders you can enjoy endless views, after which you cycle on to two former fortified towns: Retranchement and Sluis, with their many terraces. Both towns are still surrounded by earthen walls and moats, beautiful to see!