Doorn, Wijk bij Duurstede, Tull en 't Waal

The wooded surroundings of Doorn mark the start of our exploration of the theme of water, where we discover the inseparable link between the Netherlands and water, the different functions of water, and its management. Along the way, it becomes visible how water management shapes the landscape. Near Groenestein Castle, you can see that even here ditches and gullies cut through the grassland to drain excess rainwater.

Management of groundwater levels is in the hands of the water boards. They constantly have to weigh up sometimes conflicting interests. It is searching for a balance between agriculture, nature and habitation. Their work exemplifies the Netherlands' complex relationship with water, with every decision affecting the landscape and its inhabitants.

Water management has many facets, from preventing floods and excessively wet farmland to ensuring sufficient irrigation. The consequences of too low groundwater levels are significant, such as the drying up of dykes, subsidence and the loss of agricultural crops. These challenges highlight how everything in our ecosystem is interconnected.

Polders are a model of our interaction with water; areas where groundwater levels are artificially controlled. This ingenious approach to land reclamation shows our determination and innovation, where the term 'polder' has found global recognition.

As we continue our journey, we reach the Lek, a 62-kilometre-long river. From Wijk bij Duurstede, the Lek forms the continuation of the Lower Rhine, with its origins traceable back to a crossing of a riverbank embankment around 200 BC. Shipping on the Lek increased in importance as the Kromme Rijn slowly silted up.

Over the dike along the Lek, you will experience that the floodplain is sometimes narrower and sometimes wider. In winter, part of the floodplain is flooded, sometimes down to the lower summer dykes. The floodplains are partly set up as an overflow area for the large amount of water that has to be drained in a short time during the winter months. During this period, the ferries at Wijk bij Duurstede, Beusichem and Culemborg use the higher ferry docks on the banks, anchored on a long chain because of the strong currents.

Did you know that much of the Randstad would flood if the Lekdijk breaches? From the air, you can see that the river has groynes on both banks. These stone 'sleepers' in the river play a crucial role in the drainage of water, ice, gravel and sand. They control this discharge, keeping the river and banks in place, essential for the navigability of the river at low tide.

This cycle route takes you along the old river Lek, over the Kromme Rijn and the busy Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal. Enjoy the beautiful floodplains, the views and learn about the fascinating sights around Wijk bij Duurstede, Tull en 't Waal and Doorn. Who knows, along the way you might catch a glimpse of the buzzards, kestrels, Nile geese, storks and herons that have their natural habitat here. A route that reveals not only the landscape, but also the inseparable link between the Netherlands and water.

This premium cycle route has been compiled by our editor : Margreet Feenstra.