Hein's (cycling) route 44 km

Hellevoetsluis, Rockanje, Brielle

Many people are not aware of it, but Hellevoetsluis served as the most important naval port of the Netherlands for many years. It was an important strategic location for the Dutch navy and offered protection against attacks from the sea. This is where Piet Hein landed his famous silver fleet in 1628, after a successful attack on the Spanish fleet. The silver fleet was an important booty for the Dutch, who were able to significantly strengthen their financial position as a result. In the 1930s, the navy finally moved permanently to Den Helder.

Incidentally, the town of Rockanje also has a connection with the Hein family, although it is not clear whether they are related to the naval hero. The Hein family has been the owner of the Rockanje estate since the beginning of the nineteenth century, a former manorial estate that originated in the Middle Ages. North of Rockanje is the Waal lake, where one of the few growing stones (a type of coral) in the Netherlands can be found. It is a special natural phenomenon that only occurs in a few places in the Netherlands.

If you cycle through Oostvoorne, you will notice something: the village has no streets, only roads, lanes, paths and dikes. In this village you could still drive onto the beach with your car until 2004, after which it became a bird area.

During the tour you will also pass Brielle, a historic fortified town with a rich history. On April 1, 1572, the Watergeuzen led by William of Orange managed to conquer Brielle from the Spanish occupiers, which laid the foundation for the Dutch Revolt against the Spanish. The conquest of Brielle is still celebrated every year during the annual "April 1st celebration". Brielle still has many historic buildings and monuments that remind us of the turbulent history of the city.