Gouda, Stolwijk, Schoonhoven, Vlist, Haastrecht

Craftsmanship and mastery on this craft route through Krimpenerwaard. According to the Dikke van Dale, a craft is "a profession in which you make something by hand". Nowadays, other criteria apply to crafts. The main ones are delivering quality, customisation, creativity and originality. Artisans are enterprising and keep a balance between perfection and the continuity of their business. This is exactly what you will find on this route. The medieval basket makers and rope makers in Ammerstol, the artisanal cheese makers in Stolwijk and the Gouda pottery factories. Apart from its ceramics and clay pipes, Gouda is also known for its candles, syrup waffles and cheese.

A special mention deserves Schoonhoven, that this silver city is known for its many artisanal silversmiths will come as no surprise. Step off at one of Schoonhoven's museums to learn more about the past use of silver or the craft of blacksmithing.

But a craft encompasses even more; it used to be a jurisdiction where the lord of the manor had appointed an ambassador for administration and justice. Bergambacht was such a jurisdiction owned by Heer van de Berg. Not entirely coincidentally, you can also fill your bike bag with all kinds of artisan products here.

Image: Schoonhoven Partners.