Source Tubantia

Water, dikes and the Dijkpoort, which is unique to our country

It can be like juggling sometimes, running a household with four children between the ages of seven and fourteen together with my husband. And today was another great opportunity to do two things at once.

On the short stretch from Dalfsen to Zwolle you already know it: today is all about water. And dikes. The Vecht, the Nieuwe Vecht, the Stadsgracht in Zwolle and the crossing of the IJssel make you forget all about the hassle of dropping off and picking up. This feels like a holiday from the very first moment.

Zwolle looks beautiful. The flowers along the Stadsgracht are in bloom, the squares are full of people enjoying themselves on the terrace and while I pay attention to the junctions, I suddenly see the dome of Museum De Fundatie sticking out above the other buildings. It makes an impression. I have to be careful not to miss the Suikerbergsteeg.

Dike gate

I leave the city behind me via the Hanzeboog, a combined bicycle and railway bridge over the IJssel, and in Hattem I don't know what I see. I did not know this picturesque Hanseatic town and the setting for the only Dijkpoort in the Netherlands. The gate dates from the 14th century, but it was not until 1908 that it received its towers from architect Pierre Cuypers.

It's hot today. I take a break under the lion at the Molenbelt and drink the entire water supply in one go. At'Bloemen van Karin\\\' I ask if she wants to refill the bottles. ,,Sure. I just made lemon water for myself, do you want some too?\\\"

At my next break, as I wait for the ferry that will take me back from Gelderland to Overijssel, I think back to this friendly florist. The lemon water tastes delicious. Together with four other cyclists I enjoy the crossing of the IJssel. On to Laag Zuthem, where the Dijkstoel van Salland attracts attention. If you could live here, you would be crazy to return to the Randstad

And not much later via Hoonhorst back to Dalfsen. And then suddenly there is still time left. The trip is over, but it is not yet 2:00 PM. What now? Just time for myself. I decide to sit down on the new, mosaic bench on the Vecht in the center of Dalfsen. It is a'social sofa\\\' and that is evident. A 77-year-old lady immediately sits next to me. Do I come from around here? No, from Enschede. Do you? ,,I was born and raised in Amsterdam, but have lived here for exactly 50 years now. If you can live here, you would be crazy to return to the Randstad.\\\"

The route can be found at the bottom of this page.

Tip 1: Museum de Fundatie

Cycling with Truus in the area of Dalfsen, Zwolle and Hattem. Here we see the roof of Museum de Fundatie sticking out above other buildings. (C) Truus Wijnen

As you follow junction seven through the city centre of Zwolle, with cosy squares on the left and right, you suddenly see the roof of Museum De Fundatie towering high above the other buildings. Architect Hubert-Jan Henket proposed a spherical extension on the roof, a volume with two axes of symmetry and elliptical cross-sections, 33 metres long and 22 metres wide.

Tip 2: Tea room at 't Kleine Veer

Cycling with Truus in the area of Dalfsen, Zwolle and Hattem. Here at the ferry at Hattem. (C) Truus Wijnen

Bicycle and pedestrian ferry't Kleine Veer between Zwolle and Hattem is an ideal connection for cyclists and walkers. In addition to an optimal experience of the water, you can also enjoy the water here. On the side of the Hattem jetty, Theeschenkerij Oldeniel is open every Sunday from the beginning of May until the autumn holidays. Every last Sunday of the month there is also a cultural afternoon.

Tip 3: Dike chair of Salland, 5th Rot

Cycling with Truus in the area of Dalfsen, Zwolle and Hattem. Here we see the Dike Chair of Salland, 5th Rot. (C) Truus Wijnen

The sea dike towards Laag Zuthem put an end to the major floods that hit the area in the late 18th century and early 19th century in 1829. The area was well guarded with the help of dike chairs. In such a dike chair there were always wheelbarrows and spades, but also planks and bulkheads to be able to close off dike passages. Such a dike chair can be found in Laag Zuthem on the Kolkweg: Dijkstoel van Salland 5e rot.

Tip 4: Social Sofa Dalfsen

The Social Sofa was unveiled on March 21 at the Burgemeester van Bruggenplein in Dalfsen.

At first there was a 'normal' bench. But in March this year that model was replaced by this 'social sofa'. Enjoy a nice view over the Vecht from the Burgemeester van Bruggenplein in Dalfsen, while chatting with friends, family, neighbours or strangers. The mosaic bench was designed by Hanneke Raidt and has already given many a moment of rest.