Netherlands > Walking in the Biesbosch

At ten o’clock, we leave our Bed and Breakfast. We enjoyed a wonderfully peaceful breakfast at the table in our room. We lock the door and drop the key through the letterbox. Across the street at the bakery, a long line of people is already waiting for sandwiches. Otherwise, the street is quiet. From the Weeskinderendijk parking lot, we drive about fifteen minutes to Kop van ’t Land. From here, the ferry departs for Werkendam. On Sundays, the first sailing is at 10:45. When we arrive, four cars are already lined up, along with several dozen cyclists. The ferry isn’t very large, but we estimate that we will fit on it. A few minutes later, we drive onboard. The ferry starts moving even before the scheduled departure time. Good thing we were on time. We cross the Merwede River. On the other side, we have to wait a moment— not everyone has finished paying yet. We enter the province of Brabant. We park the car near the Spieringsluis. From here, various walking routes start across the Jantjesplaat through the Biesbosch. The Deeneplaat has recently become accessible as well; the island has been fitted with a footbridge.

Netherlands - The beautiful nature of Jantjesplaat in the Biesbosch

The weather is beautiful. The sunlight reflects off the ponds of the Biesbosch. The unpaved path runs between the water. We frequently cross small bridges from island to island. It’s hard to imagine that just last week there was still snow here, and people could skate on the lakes. What a world of difference from today. The route on the Jantjesplaat returns to the main paved road. Although this road is only for local traffic, several recreationists use it to get directly to the Deeneplaat. We take the first opportunity to return to the polder. Along a dike, we walk between the ponds. On the Deeneplaat, the route also leads over several footbridges from island to island. What a magnificent environment for walking. After three and a half hours, we’re back at the car. We have covered more than fifteen kilometers. By now, there is no parking space left. A waiting couple already asks if they can take our spot. Around three o’clock, we leave the Biesbosch and head home.