240 kilometres of South Holland lead visitors through past glories, new territory gained and into an admirably cycle-friendly present.
Journey
By train to Breda, a few kilometres east of Willemstad.
From Frankfurt with one change in less than five hours (without bike transport). Willemstad is about 25 kilometres south-south-east of Rotterdam.
Stages
Day 1: Willemstad - Zierikzee (48 km, 120 m elevation gain)
From the picturesque fortress town of Willemstad, the route follows the magnificent Dutch signposting system through the flat polder land and over the first barriers. The few metres of elevation gain are imperceptible.
Day 2: Zierikzee - Vlissingen (60 km, 200 metres in altitude)
Crossing the Oosterschelde on a five-kilometre bridge is a highlight. Middelburg's historic city centre is perfect for a longer break.
Day 3: Vlissingen - B. Haamstede (57 km, 300 metres in altitude)
Today is a dune day. The west coast of the former island of Walcheren is not polder country, but is characterised by magnificent dunes and wide beaches.
Day 4: B. Haamstede - Willemstad (73 km, 200 m ascent)
After several kilometres through dyke landscapes, the route turns inland. Only shortly before Willemstad do you cycle closer to the main roads again.
The GPX track is available free of charge on the MYBIKE tour portal:
Accommodation
Willemstad: Mauritz Hotel en Salon
Stylish hotel with a good restaurant at the starting point. Plenty of seating in the garden when the weather is nice. Double room/F from 105 euros, www.mauritzwillemstad.nl
Burgh Haamstede: Fletcher Duinhotel
Not an architectural highlight, but the view, the dunes and the sometimes favourable price make up for it. Double room/F from 50 euros, www.duinhotelburghhaamstede.nl
Food
Holland's cuisine is varied, but not cheap. The classics at beach stalls along the way are "lekkerbekjes", deep-fried fish fillets with remoulade sauce, or "poffertjes", small, sweet pancakes.
Mussels are also ubiquitous, often in combination with chips.
The most delicious (in a Pernod broth) were served in the highly recommended restaurant "Mauritz" in Willemstad.
You can find more pictures from the cycle tour here in our picture gallery:
Pedelec hire
Martens Tweewielers, Rucphen. Around 20 kilometres south of Willemstad, the shop rents out compact pedelecs for 25 euros per day. www.martens-tweewielers.nl
Literature, maps, information
The Dutch signpost system makes route planning and orientation child's play. Corresponding maps and online planning aids can be found on the official website www.hollandfahrradland.de
Organiser
The tour described here is organised by the tour operator Dutch Biketours as an individual tour with luggage transport. www.dutch-biketours.de
The travel report "Land gewinnen" was featured in MYBIKE issue 4/2018.
You can view the output in the MYBIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or in the DK-Shop order.
