TOP Eiland van Schalkwijk

TOP Eiland van Schalkwijk is the perfect base for exploring the Eiland van Schalkwijk. This open and green area is home to various forts and defence works of Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. But also enjoy the river and canals that surround this 'island': the Lek, the Lek Canal and the Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. A great starting point for a trip on foot, by bike or canoe!

TOP and VVV

TOP Eiland van Schalkwijk, together with the adjacent PAND Pannenkoek and the VVV information point, forms a cosy and practical starting point for a trip around the Eiland van Schalkwijk. There is plenty of parking space for cars and bikes, and you can charge your electric bike or car at the charging stations. There is also a VVV i-point inside, where you can get information about nice places in the region to go hiking, cycling or sailing. Besides this tourist information, various routes are also available at the VVVi-point.

Island of Schalkwijk

The Eiland van Schalkwijk is referred to as an island because it is almost entirely enclosed by water: the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal, the Lek and the Lekkanaal. The area is part of the Kromme Rijnstreek, the transitional area between the Utrechtse Heuvelrug and Rivierenland. This region owes its name to the river Kromme Rijn, which meanders from Wijk bij Duurstede to Utrecht.

The area is also part of Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie. This was a defence line between Muiden and the Biesbosch 85 kilometres long. Water was the weapon of defence. If the enemy came, strips of meadow between Muiden and the Biesbosch could be flooded. This made the land difficult for the enemy to pass through. The line served from 1815 to around 1940.

Today, the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie has a new function. It is now a beautiful area, where you can fully experience history. The Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Routes

This TOP is located on several routes. Some tips:

Klompenpaden. Near the TOP runs the Klompenpad "Lint en Liniepad" (9 km). This circular walk leads through meadows and along the forts of the Waterlinie. This path borders several other Klompenpaden, so you can combine routes. For example, with the Vuylcoppad, Goilberdingerpad and the Kuilenburgerpad. The starting point (with information panel) of the Ribbon and Line path and Vuylcoppad path is at the R.K. Church. For more information go to www.klompenpaden.nl. The clog paths app can also be downloaded here.

VVV cycling and walking routes. VVV Kromme Rijnstreek, together with the municipality of Houten, has developed several cycling and walking routes that introduce you to the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie.

• Cycling routes Langs Lek en Linie: you can choose between three routes of 27, 30 or 35 kilometres. The routes can also be combined. On some routes, you cross the Lek by ferry.
• Walking route Linielanding (10 or 16 km). This walking route takes you past various forts and defences.
• Walking route Liniepontje (10 km). Walking route crossing the river Lek via the Liniepontje.

Route descriptions are available inside at the VVV i-point.

You can also put together your own cycle route along the existing cycle junctions. To do so, go to www.route.nl/routeplanner.

Canoeing. There are wonderful canoeing opportunities on the Eiland van Schalkwijk. Enquire at the VVV information point about canoe hire options, including at Werk aan de Korte Uitweg and TOP Linielanding.

POIs

Some attractions near TOP Eiland van Schalkwijk.

The New Dutch Waterline has left its mark on the Eiland van Schalkwijk. On the Eiland van Schalkwijk, you will find various forts and defence works, many of which are open to the public. For example, visit Werk aan de Groeneweg, Werk aan de Korte Uitweg (you can enjoy a delicious lunch here!) or Werk aan de Waalse Wetering. This is where the Waterlinie comes to life! Visit www.forten.nl for an overview of all activities at the forts and www.hollandsewaterlinie.nl for info on the New Dutch Waterline.

At the Verdronken Bos and the newly created inundation field in Polder Blokhoven, you can experience what the area must have looked like during inundation (flooding of an area). The Verdronken Bos is a forest plot that has been diked and functions as water storage. However, the trees cannot withstand high water levels, hence the name Verdronken Bos.

On the other side of the Lek there is also a lot of beauty to see. You cross the Lek by ferry at Culemborg. By bike or on foot, you can also use the Liniepont. It sails from May to September between Werk aan het Spoel (Culemborg), Fort Everdingen (Vianen) and Werk aan de Groeneweg (Schalkwijk). For current sailing times, visit www.uiterwaarden.nl or the free app Overzetveren.

The Werk aan de Groeneweg was constructed in 1914-1918 and served as an outpost of Fort Honswijk.

The defences consist of earthen ramparts with trenches in between. Some of the 50 concrete group shelters can be viewed inside. An "experience route" has been set out on the site.

The Brink in Schalkwijk, Jonkheer Ram's Garden, St Michael's Church and Tower Vuylcop are also worth a look.

Stop by the VVV i-point for even more ideas! Or visit www.vvvkrommerijnstreek.nl