Leak route

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

Alblasserdam was 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 one whole, a lordship, with the village of Oud-Alblas. The old centre of Alblasserdam was badly hit by a bombardment on 11 May 1940. Fortunately, the historic Kerkstraat and the characteristic dike buildings along the river Noord have been largely preserved.

Some tips
World Heritage Kinderdijk
The 19 windmills of Kinderdijk symbolize the way in which the Netherlands deals with water. For a long time, they kept the rough and damp peat area dry that was plagued by subsidence and flooding: the Alblasserwaard. The Museum Mill and information center Wisboomgemaal illustrate the water management of Kinderdijk. Addresses: Museum Mill, Nederwaard 5, Kinderdijk. Wisboomgemaal, Overwaard 3, Kinderdijk.
Recreation center De Vinkenwaard (at junction 18 turn right)
Recreation centre De Vinkenwaard is situated on the Alblas river. Passers-by can relax on the terrace. You can rent canoes, pedalos, rowing boats and motorboats here. You can also board a boat trip along Oud-Alblas or Kinderdijk. Address: Vinkenpolderweg 40a, Alblasserdam.

The Waterbus
The Waterbus is a fast boat connection between the Drechtsteden. Alblasserdam has an excellent connection over water with the historic Dordrecht. You get off and walk into the city. The Waterbus also takes you quickly to the Biesbosch National Park or Rotterdam. And the nice thing is: you can take your bike for free. Boarding point: Kade, Alblasserdam.

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

Schoonhoven

The Silver City Schoonhoven is located on the river Lek. In the beautiful historic center you can visit the Dutch Silver Museum.
When the lords of Schoonhoven commissioned goldsmiths to make silver objects in the 14th century, they could not have imagined that Schoonhoven would be world famous as the Silver City of the Netherlands 700 years later. 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 of St. Bartholomeuskerk, the Waag and the Stadskorenpakhuis. But the characteristic silver workshops throughout the city are also part of the unique national heritage. Nowhere else in Europe are old workshops, factories, silversmith houses, workers' cottages and executive villas still standing so intact and complete. The contemporary 'Creative Silver City on the Lek' also has a vital guild of gold and silversmiths. In the city centre you will find around 30 open studios, galleries and jewellers.

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