Cycling along the Linge

Discover the beautiful vistas and rich history along the Linge River. You'll pass through historic towns like Leerdam and cycle past the many orchards that characterize the Betuwe region.

Mariënwaerdt Estate
Soon you'll enter the protected village of Beesd. Here you'll see, among other things, the unfinished sixteenth-century tower of St. Peter's Church. The tower was once used as a refuge when the Linge River overflowed its banks. A little later, you'll pass the Mariënwaerdt estate. This private estate, spanning over 900 hectares, boasts no fewer than 40 national monuments, including 14 farmsteads, haystacks, and flood barns.

Merckenburg Castle
At 108 kilometers long, the Linge is one of the longest rivers originating in the Netherlands. It's no wonder there's so much to see. Near Heukelum, for example, you'll pass Merckenburg Castle, which originally dates back to the thirteenth century. The current building was constructed around 1700. In Acquoy, you'll pass a fifteenth-century church tower that's slightly tilted.

Forts along the Linge
As befits a river of significance, several forts also dot the Linge River. You'll pass KunstFort Asperen, an imposing monument. This tower fort was once surrounded by a moat and was only accessible via a wooden drawbridge. History buffs will find plenty to enjoy here. Various exhibitions and art events are also organized in this historic setting. A few kilometers further on lies the Diefdijk Railway Works. This fortification was built in 1880 on both sides of the Dordrecht-Elst railway line. Movable crane bridges were located in front of and behind the works. One unique example can still be viewed.