Cycle route on Goeree-Overflakkee
Middelharnis, Sommelsdijk, Ouddorp
It is often thought that this island belongs to Zeeland, but nothing could be further from the truth. The southernmost part of South Holland is Goeree-Overflakkee, with towns and villages like Stad aan 't Haringvliet, Stellendam, Goedereede, Ouddorp and Dirksland. As befits an island, it is completely surrounded by water. To the north lies the Haringvliet, to the east the Volkerak and the Krammer, to the south the Grevelingenmeer and to the west lies the North Sea.
Although Goeree-Overflakkee is now one island, it used to consist of several small islands. Little by little, these islands were increasingly taken over by man and nature. If you look closely, you can still see the contours of these islands in the shapes of the polders. Remarkably, the village of Sommelsdijk (between nodes 75 and 76) was the only place on the island to belong to Zeeland until 1805. Now the village is a so-called 'twin village' with Middelharnis. Both have a church ring, front street and harbour.
The island attracts many tourists every year who come for water recreation. If you cycle along the beaches, you will But the polders and dykes are also very popular with cyclists. And did you know that every spring the tulip fields are in full bloom? Highly recommended, as these bulb fields have not yet been discovered by mass tourism.
History is another interesting one to dive into. The villages all have their own historical cores with monumental façades. The many windmills give a glimpse into the struggle against water and the reclamation of the land. At the shipyards in the villages, you can see how fishing played a major role in the development of the island. Town walks and regional museums complete the story.
While cycling, you will find that nature lovers also lack nothing. Fantastic natural areas pass by. Delta areas where fresh and salt water meet, mud flats and salt marshes that look different with every low tide, unique dune landscape, polders and creeks. Due to the exceptional composition of the soil, rare flowers such as orchids and grass of Parnassus grow there. Do you cycle through such an area? Then chances are that you will encounter Fjord horses and Heck cattle, which roam freely and graze in peace.
With this cycle route, you will discover the entire island and all its highlights. Goeree-Overflakkee offers plenty of opportunities for a wonderful cycling holiday. There are plenty of places to stay along the way, so you can take your time to discover the island. Camp or rent a bungalow at RCN Holiday park Toppershoedje in Ouddorp, about halfway along this cycle route. That way you can continue the cycling tour fresh and fruity.
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