Leak route

Cycle route from TOP Alblasserdam along the windmills of Kinderdijk, the river Lek to Schoonhoven in the Krimpenerwaard. Via Krimpen aan de Lek back to the Alblasserwaard.

Alblasserdam is first mentioned in 1299 and was founded in 1447. It owes its name to the construction of a dam in the river Alblas. It once formed a whole, a seigneury, with the village of Oud-Alblas. The old center of Alblasserdam was hit hard by a bombing raid on May 11, 1940. Fortunately, the historic Kerkstraat and the characteristic dike buildings along the North river have largely been preserved.

A few tips
Kinderdijk World Heritage
Kinderdijk's 19 windmills symbolize the way in which the Netherlands deals with water. For a long time they kept dry the rough and humid peat area that was ravaged by subsidence and flooding: the Alblasserwaard. The Museum Mill and Wisboomgemaal information center visualize the water management of Kinderdijk. Addresses: Museum Mill, Nederwaard 5, Kinderdijk. Wisboom pumping station, Overwaard 3, Kinderdijk.
Recreation center De Vinkenwaard (just to the right at junction 18)
Recreation center De Vinkenwaard is situated on the river Alblas. Passers-by can take a breather on the terrace. You can rent canoes, pedal boats, rowing boats and motor boats here. You can also board here for a cruise along Oud-Alblas or Kinderdijk. Address: Vinkenpolderweg 40a, Alblasserdam.

The Water Bus
The Waterbus is a fast boat connection between the Drechtsteden. For example, Alblasserdam has an excellent water connection with historic Dordrecht. You step out and walk straight into the city. The Waterbus will also take you quickly to De Biesbosch National Park or Rotterdam. And the nice thing is: the bike can be taken along for free. Boarding point: Kade, Alblasserdam.

Regional Center Ooievaarsdorp Het Liesvelt:
In the past, a center of Vogelbescherming Nederland was located here, which aimed to bring back the White Stork as a breeding bird in the Netherlands. That goal has been achieved and the center now has a broader function as an educational garden of the Alblasserwaard. From 2018, the Adventure Farm of Fien and Teun will be located here! Wilgenweg 3, 2964 AM Groot-Ammers

Schoonhoven

The silver city of Schoonhoven is located on the river Lek. In the beautiful historic center you can visit the Dutch Silver Museum.
When the castle lords of Schoonhoven commissioned goldsmiths to manufacture silver objects in the 14th century, they could not have imagined that 700 years later Schoonhoven would be world famous as the Silver City of the Netherlands. Partly due to its location on the river Lek, Schoonhoven acquired a strategic function in the powerful county of Holland and more and more creative people settled in the city.

Much from that early heyday has been beautifully preserved, such as the Gothic town hall, the Grote or St. Bartholomeuskerk, the Waag and the Stadskorenpakhuis. But the characteristic silver workshops all over the city are also part of the unique national heritage. Nowhere in Europe are old workshops, factories, silversmith houses, workers' houses and executive villas still intact and completely standing. The contemporary'Creative Silver City on the Lek\\\' also has a vital guild of gold and silversmiths. In the city center you will find about 30 open studios, galleries and jewelers.

During a walk through the city you will see goldsmiths at work in various places. The Dutch Silver Museum Schoonhoven shows the history of Dutch silver. In the Edelambachtshuys you will find a unique collection of antique Schoonhoven silver. Addresses: Dutch Silver Museum Schoonhoven, Kazerneplein 4. Edelambachtshuys, Haven 13.

For more information about this TOP

You can order a detailed route description from the tourist office