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Water as a weapon

6 hours (93 km)
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Get on your bike and discover how water was the Netherlands' most powerful means of defence for centuries. With the route Water als Wapen, you cycle through a cleverly designed landscape where land and water together stopped the enemy. You follow green inundation fields, dikes and impressive forts, while the story of this unique heritage becomes more and more visible along the way.

You cycle along the heart of the Hollandse Waterlinies, where the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie is still tangibly present. By deliberately flooding land ...

Get on your bike and discover how water was the Netherlands' most powerful means of defence for centuries. With the route Water als Wapen, you cycle through a cleverly designed landscape where land and water together stopped the enemy. You follow green inundation fields, dikes and impressive forts, while the story of this unique heritage becomes more and more visible along the way.

You cycle along the heart of the Hollandse Waterlinies, where the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie is still tangibly present. By deliberately flooding land, the area became impassable for soldiers and unusable for boats. What was once a military system is now a green and peaceful landscape full of stories. You cycle the route at your own pace: as a two-day tour with an overnight stay or in separate stages. Via cycle junctions, you explore the Kromme Rijnstreek and the area between Lek and Linge. You can start at any point.

Since 2021, the Hollandse Waterlinies, together with the Stelling van Amsterdam, have had UNESCO World Heritage status. A special recognition for this ingenious, primal Dutch defence system. Cycle along and experience how water became an ally here.

The cycling tour Water as a Weapon can be done as a two-day tour with an overnight stay. Or explore the route in separate stages. The routes lead along the cycle junctions through the Kromme Rijnstreek and the Tussen Lek & Linge area. You can start at any junction. Want tips for nice places to stay overnight or for catering? Then look in the description.

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Description

TOP Stadshaven Wijk bij Duurstede

From the city gate to the harbour
Havenweg
3961 AW Wijk bij Duurstede
Navigate to starting point
TOP Stadshaven Wijk bij Duurstede Port of Wijk bij Duurstede

The route follows the white-and-green junction signs of the cycle route network. Below, you cross the river Lek by ferry. Information on sailing times and fares can be found on the website of Vereniging Vrienden van de Veerponten.

Catering and accommodation in the Kromme Rijn region

Along the route Water as Weapon, you will find plenty of fine places to take a break or stay overnight. In Wijk bij Duurstede , you can stay comfortably at Hotel 1851 or Hotel Florian. Those who prefer small-scale accommodation can stay at B&B de Swaen, B&B Dijklodges or Bed en Brood de Vogelpoel. Campers will find a fine spot at Camping 't Boomgaardje.

In the countryside and along the lines, there are special places to spend the night that make the story of the Waterlinies even more tangible, such as Natuurcamping Fort Werk aan de Korte Uitweg and B&B Oud Honswijk. In Cothen, you can stay at Minicamping de Bossewaard or B&B de Bloesem.

For a bite to eat and a drink along the route, too. In Wijk bij Duurstede, Restaurant de Engel, Stadsbrasserie Dorestad, Lunchcafé de Graanschuur, Mau's Bistro, De Veldpoort and KNUS, among others, invite you to disembark.

In Schalkwijk, you can go to Restaurant Jonkheer de Ram, Pand Pannenkoek and Barista de Dominee or a little further on Bij Marion Broodjes en zo in Tull en 't Waal. If you cycle on to Cothen, Het Oude Raedthuys and Familierestaurant de Jonge Graaf are fine places to end the day in a tasty way.

Catering and accommodation Tussen Lek & Linge

Near Culemborg are several small-scale accommodations that are ideal for cyclists and those seeking peace and quiet. Think of B&B Het Spoel, B&B Lots4u and Logement De Appelgaard; all situated in a beautiful dike location. Or B&B De Gasterije, a hospitable B&B in the centre of Culemborg. Campers will find a fine spot at Camping De Helling.

Around Beusichem, you will also find attractive hotel and lodging addresses, such as the cosy Hotel 't Veerhuys, with its own restaurant on site and Het Heerenlogement, an attractive hotel-restaurant in the heart of the village.

And for the ultimate fort experience, Mini-camping Fort Everdingen is a special option: a mini-camping site located on the grounds of the historic fort as well as of fort brewery Duits & Lauret.

For snacks and drinks along the way, there are plenty of options. Make extra special on the route are the fort locations. For example, Caatje aan de Lek in Culemborg is located in the striking Fort house at Werk aan het Spoel, overlooking the floodplains of the river Lek. And the Fort near Asperen is also highly recommended: in the Genieloods you can have lunch, drinks or (on weekend days) an extensive dinner in a historic atmosphere. In addition, at Fort Everdingen you can taste special beers at the Duits & Lauret fort brewery and enjoy small snacks between the fort walls.

Other fine tips include 't Veerhuys in Beusichem, located on the Lek and Rust Wat aan de Linge in Rhenoy. For the tastiest pancakes, visit Restaurant De Stapelbakker on the beautiful Heerlijkheid Mariënwaerdt estate in Beesd.

TOP Stadshaven Wijk bij Duurstede

From the city gate to the harbour
Havenweg
3961 AW Wijk bij Duurstede
Navigate to destination
TOP Stadshaven Wijk bij Duurstede Port of Wijk bij Duurstede
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