43 Travel adventures Netherlands

A weekend to Hellevoetsluis

30 januari - 2 februari 2026 (4 days)

Hellevoetsluis is a historic fortified town in the province of South Holland, located on the Haringvliet and close to the wide North Sea beach. For centuries, the town played an important role as a naval port. In the charming fortress area, old bastions, cannons, and monumental buildings have been preserved. Museum ships are also moored here, including Zr.Ms. Buffel, reminding visitors of its maritime past. The marina and the wide beach make Hellevoetsluis attractive for water sports enthusiasts and walkers. Along the coast there are dunes and nature reserves where you can cycle and enjoy wide views over the water. The small lighthouse and the historic dry docks give the town a distinctive character. Today, Hellevoetsluis is a quiet residential town with modern amenities, while its historic heart has retained a charming, almost village-like atmosphere. The combination of history, water, and nature makes it a versatile destination.

Photos

"Beautiful photos. A solid 10 for your site. – Klaas"

Netherlands

Ditch Bank

The narrow walking path along the ditch bank

Grote Markt

The historic City Hall on the Grote Markt

City carpentry yard

The former city carpentry yard at the Kort Galgewater in Leiden

Church bridge

One of the many bridges in Leiden

A Weekend in Zwolle

12 - 14 april 2024 (3 days)

Through the Sassenstraat, we arrive at the Sassenpoort. The medieval Sassenpoort was built in Gothic style and dates from the 14th century. The gate consists of red brick walls, tall towers, and pointed arch openings. The Sassenpoort was originally part of the city wall of Zwolle and served as one of the main city gates. We climb the tower via a narrow spiral staircase. On one of the floors, we receive an explanation of the city’s history. The volunteer clearly enjoys that we are interested. He explains why Zwolle got the nickname “Blauwvinger” (Bluefinger). In the sixteenth century, the people of Zwolle had committed perjury against the Duke of Guelders.

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Weekend in Zierikzee

10-12 april 2023 (3 days)

Further down the street, we come to the New Church with the separate Fat Tower behind it. The church has a simple design and resembles a temple. In the tower, the custodian explains the design difference between the tower and the church. The tower was built in 1454 near the then St. Lievensmonster Church. To prevent damage to the tower, it was built separate from the cathedral at that time. Unfortunately, the St. Lievensmonster Church was completely destroyed by fire in 1832. A newer, more modern church was built on the site of the cathedral. Inside the tower is a model of the old church. This church once formed a single complex together with the church. The original plans intended the tower to be 130 meters high. In the 15th century, Zierikzee was an important trading place and one of the main cities of the Netherlands. The tower would have surpassed the Dom Tower in Utrecht. However, trade declined before the tower was completed and the money ran out.

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Sleeping in a Prison

9 - 11 december 2022 (3 days)

It is early December, and a cold but dry weekend is forecast. Together with Rita, I go for a weekend in Twente. The Friday afternoon rush hour seems manageable. Only around Amersfoort, we experience twenty minutes delay due to traffic jams. Just before six, we drive onto the small parking lot of the Huis van Bewaring in Almelo. The Huis van Bewaring now houses a luxury hotel. We don’t have a room in one of the former cells but in one of the former guard rooms. A nice room, but strangely, there is no door to the bathroom. We don’t spend much time on this. Quickly, we walk to the center. One of the restaurants still has a table free for dinner. Meanwhile, more and more people come to the cafés to watch the Dutch national football team’s match. Our restaurant has no screen. After the meal, we cross the street to a football café. Here a table is free with a good view of a screen.

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Sleeping in a Castle

29 april - 1 mei 2022 (3 days)

We both slept very well in our tower room in the castle. We weren’t bothered by any ghosts or spirits. Joris had warned us that it might take a while for the hot water to arrive. “Just let the tap run for a few minutes,” he advised. That advice turned out to be quite useful. Normally I would have given up already, but eventually the hot water found its way to the tower room. In one corner of the round room is a small bathroom: a sink and a shower stall, shielded by a sort of room divider.

Photos Travelogue

Windswept Ameland

15 - 18 april 2022 (4 days)

The striking red-and-white striped lighthouse of Ameland was built in 1880 to guide maritime traffic. The 55-meter-high tower served as a beacon in the night. Since 2005, the lighthouse is no longer in use, which means we can climb it. After no less than 236 steps, we reach the viewing platform. From the top of the lighthouse, we can see almost the entire island. Thanks to the good weather, we can even see Friesland and Terschelling. Beautiful. At the foot of the lighthouse lie the nature areas of Hollummerduinen and Lange Duinen. We follow the yellow route and walk into the dunes.

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Winter Sports in Kssen

25 februari - 5 maart 2022 (9 days)

The count’s gristmill of Zeddam immediately stands out. This mill was probably built in 1441 by order of the castle lords of den Bergh. At that time, the castle lords had the exclusive right to build mills and the farmers were obliged to bring their grain to the mill. The brick gristmill is one of the oldest mills in the Netherlands. Although the mill has been renovated several times, it is still in operation. I continue to ’s-Heerenberg. I park my car in the center. The town grew around the castle Huis Bergh. In the twelfth century, a first fortress arose here. The castle expanded further in the following centuries. Currently, the castle is one of the largest in the Netherlands. Unfortunately, the castle is only closed on weekends during the winter months. A good reason to come back again. I walk around the castle. From the ramparts, I can see the size of the castle well.

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New Years in Eerde

29 december 2021 - 2 januari 2021 (5 days)

On the edge of the village of Eerde in eastern Brabant stands a nice group accommodation. With nine families, this is a cozy location to celebrate New Year’s Eve. In the surroundings, beautiful walks can be made through the forests around Sint-Oedenrode. Inside, games are played and TV is watched. On New Year’s Eve, the pop quiz is traditionally held. Will it be possible to announce the winner just before the new year? The new year starts with a real disco.

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Family Weekend in Someren

8 - 10 oktober 2021 (3 days)

I spent a weekend with my family at Roompot Bungalowpark De Heihorsten in Someren. Our cozy little cottage, thatched with reed, lay in the middle of nature. We enjoyed beautiful walks over the Strabrechtse Heath and through the National Park De Groote Peel. It was a wonderful way to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park also offered us various activities, from cycling to swimming, so we never got bored. All in all, it was a successful family weekend where we could escape the hustle and bustle of daily life for a while.

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Weekend in Den Bosch

16-18 juli 2021 (3 days)

We follow the route toward the market square of Den Bosch. The city hall dates from the second half of the 14th century. Across from it stands the Moriaan House—the oldest stone house in the city. Today, it houses the local tourist office. In Lepelstraat, in the Uilenburg district, there are cozy terraces along the Binnendieze canal. This is where our boat tour was supposed to start. As an alternative, we order a beer on one of the terraces. Behind us stands the statue of Zotte Lieve Gerritje—a legend about a highwayman. We follow the quay along the Binnendieze and end our walk at the library via the Commandeurspoort gate.

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Discovering Northern Netherlands

20 juni - 4 juli 2021 (15 days)

Franeker is one of the oldest cities in Friesland. Its origins go back to 734, and in 1402, it was granted city rights. Like many other cities, Franeker thrived on water-based trade, which was the most efficient mode of transport for centuries. Along the canals, beautiful townhouses and warehouses were built in the 16th and 17th centuries. On Zilverstraat stands the Korendragershuisje, a small building where grain used to be weighed. From Groenmarkt, we walk to the Raadhuisplein. The town hall is perhaps the city’s most beautiful building. The Renaissance structure from the early 1600s is still in use as the town hall. A statue of Lady Justice adorns the facade. In the past, justice was administered in the building, and verdicts were announced to the public from a small oriel window on the side.

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Weekend in Deventer

28-30 mei 2021 (3 days)

Via the weighing house, we arrive at the Mint Tower. In the past, coins were minted here in cooperation with the Hanseatic cities of Kampen and Zwolle. By the early 20th century, the building had fallen into disrepair. Fortunately, it has since been restored. A nearby warehouse on Rijkmanstraat has also been preserved. The house now stands rather isolated, as surrounding buildings were destroyed during a wartime bombing. We arrive at the Bergkerk in the Bergkwartier district. The church stands on a river dune, 15 meters above the Brink square. It dates back to 1206.

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Weekend in Oostkapelle

2-5 april 2021 (4 days)

After breakfast, we leave the hotel for a long walk through the nature around Oostkapelle. We follow the “Groene Wissel” circular route. We decide not to walk to the official starting point at the church of Oostkapelle, but to join the route near our hotel. For this, we walk about 800 meters toward the beach. Along the road, we pass two large estates. Huize Duinbeek and Huize Berkenbosch are former country houses and now privately owned. Walking along the edges of the estates is allowed. Before we know it, four deer jump across the road right in front of us. They look at us with surprise. At the dunes, the Groene Wissel trail begins. We follow a shell path through the dunes and later continue our walk along the beach.

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Weekend in Dordrecht

19-21 februari 2021 (3 days)

We pick up the route at the Kalkhaven. From here, we have a view of the enormous railway lift bridge. This bridge replaced the old railway connection in 1985. The lift bridge is definitely a striking feature of the city. From the Kalkhaven, we arrive at the Church of Our Lady. The origins of this cruciform basilica date back to the 13th century. During the great city fire of 1457, the church was severely damaged. After restoration, the church acquired its current form. The tower was added starting in 1504, but was never fully completed. In 1572, during the Reformation, the church came into the hands of the Protestants.

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Castle Weekend Vreeland

20-22 november 2020 (3 days)

From here, we drive to Breukelen and eventually to Castle De Haar. We arrive just in time for our time slot at eleven o’clock, which is also when the castle opens to the public. After passing the ticket booth and entering the park, we see the enormous Castle De Haar. What a magnificent sight. The castle is reflected in the water of the moat. At the entrance, we hesitate whether to take an audio tour. A staff member tells us that there are attendants in each room who are happy to share stories about the castle. She thinks an audio tour is unnecessary. We follow her advice. The first room we enter is the Main Hall. The size, the height, and the decor are overwhelming. I take a good look around to absorb everything. An attendant tells us that a thousand years ago, a castle was built on this spot by order of the Van de Haar family.

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Weekend in Elburg

11-13 september 2020 (3 days)

One of the most striking buildings in the fortified town of Elburg houses the Elburg Museum. The museum displays the history of Elburg through a collection of artefacts. In the narrow streets within the fortress, you'll find the Jewish Synagogue Museum. This museum shows how the Jewish population settled in Elburg from the 18th century onwards. Many did not survive the persecution during World War II. The few survivors left after the war. The synagogue is now a museum. Both museums fit well into the historical streetscape of the fortified town of Elburg.

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Delft of William of Orange

8 augustus 2020 (1 days)

The New Church is, after the Dom Tower in Utrecht, the tallest church in the Netherlands. The tower reaches a height of 108.75 metres. Construction of the New Church began in 1381. It was the second church in Delft, after the Old Church, and was therefore called the New Church. In 1536, lightning struck the church tower. The ensuing fire led to the great city fire of Delft, which destroyed nearly the entire old city centre. In 1654, the church was again damaged by the explosion of the Delft gunpowder house. After another lightning strike in 1872, the church spire was replaced. The sandstone used for this has since been weathered by the elements and acid rain, turning it black. We climb the tower via a narrow staircase. From the top, we have a view over the Grote Markt and the historic centre of Delft.

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Leiden Tour

29 juli 2020 (1 days)

I finish the "Leidse Loper" walking tour through the historic center of Leiden at the windmill De Valk. De Valk is a tower mill located at the Lammermarkt. In 1667, a wooden mill was built on this site. Later, in 1743, a taller stone tower mill replaced it. Today, the mill serves as a museum. On the ground floor is a small dwelling where the mill owner used to live. Narrow staircases lead to the higher levels. The exhibition shows the history and mechanics of the mill. On the fourth level lies the millstone. The wind sets the stone in motion to grind grain. From the gallery, I have a view over the city of Leiden. I am standing right beneath the sails—what an impressive size they are up close.

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Tourist in My Own Country

18 - 26 juli 2020 (9 days)

The Terra Mora Museum explains why William of Orange ordered the construction of Bourtange during his fight against the Spanish. The marshy area east of Groningen formed a natural defence line for the city. Whoever controlled the paths — “the Tanges” — through the marsh, controlled access to the area. With a fortress, they could block supplies to Groningen, which was still in Spanish hands. After the Eighty Years' War, Bourtange withstood attacks during the First Münster War. In 1672, the Prussians attempted an assault from the east, which was also repelled. As newer military techniques emerged, the fortress fell into decline. The surrounding swamp dried up, making it easier to bypass the stronghold. In 1851, Bourtange lost its military status. The buildings were repurposed for housing. Canals were filled in, and ramparts levelled.

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Tourist in Amsterdam

8 juli 2020 (1 days)

Amsterdam through the eyes of a tourist. What would that look like? I begin my journey today at the Basilica of St. Nicholas. I’ve passed this impressive church, right across from Central Station, many times. I’ve never gone inside—until today. I’m struck by the beauty inside this basilica. Just a little further lies the hidden church “Our Lord in the Attic.” Catholic services were once held in the attic of this house. I end the day at the Anne Frank House. I’ve heard so much about it but never visited—until today. It’s moving to finally look behind the famous bookcase myself. I’ve read and heard so much about Anne’s life. With her diary, she became the face of Jewish life in the Netherlands during the war years.

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Boating in Giethoorn

13 - 14 juni 2020 (2 days)

We’ve decided not to take an electric whisper boat through the farms, but a Canadian canoe instead. After a short explanation of the route, we head out. Immediately on the main canal of Giethoorn, we join a line of boats. At the first fork, most boats turn off toward the lake. We paddle a bit further through the meadows. In a side canal, we let the boat drift while we eat our packed lunch. After two hours, we also reach the lake. A “parlevinker” — a shop on a boat — sells ice cream. Delicious. The weather is sunny and warm today. At the end of the trip, we return to Giethoorn. It’s busy again. At times, we’re stuck in a traffic jam of boats. We arrive safely back at our starting point.

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City Trip Zutphen

30 mei - 1 juni 2020 (3 days)

Via the Seed Market, we arrive at the Bolwerck. Just behind it stands the Drogenap Tower. This old tower was once one of the gateways to the walled city. It’s a reminder of the glory days of the Hanseatic city of Zutphen. We continue to wander through the old town center. A left turn here, a right turn there. Unintentionally, we find ourselves near the hotel again. We decide to order a drink on the terrace. Later in the afternoon, we stroll through Zutphen once more. Narrow alleys flank both sides of the shopping streets. Some alleys are only accessible through small gates. It’s a pleasure to roam these streets. At the Berkelsingel, part of the old city wall still stands. Three arches over the canal once protected the city from attacks.

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A Road Trip Through Europe

8 juni - 7 juli 2018 (30 days)

The yellow Land Rover Discovery is packed and ready in front of the house. Over the past weeks, the car was checked and some parts were replaced. I’m confident that Brutus, our car, will guide us safely through Europe. On the way to Nicolette in Delft, a few raindrops hit the windshield—rain! I realize it’s barely rained in the Netherlands these past weeks. It was the warmest May in a century. Hopefully, it’s not a bad omen for our trip. Nicolette is ready in Delft. After a coffee, we start the engine and truly begin our journey. We merge onto the highway toward Dordrecht. Despite the Friday morning rush, traffic isn’t too bad. After about two hours, we cross the border at Venlo and enter Germany.

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To the Far North of Europe

1 juli 2017 -26 juli 2017 (26 days)

The final day has arrived. We enjoy one last excellent breakfast. Today’s drive covers just over six hundred kilometers. Just before Hamburg, we enter a long stretch of roadworks. For dozens of kilometers, the road is being resurfaced. The speed limit is reduced to sixty kilometers per hour, and traffic often moves even slower along the narrow lanes. Near Bremen, we take a short break to refuel and grab a sandwich. Then we head toward the Netherlands. Around three in the afternoon, we cross the border back into the country. Ideally, this is a bit late, as we now hit the evening rush hour around Amsterdam. However, it’s the holiday season, and without encountering a single traffic jam, we arrive back in Voorhout. After 9,000 kilometers, we’re safely home again.

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From Amsterdam to Tokyo

1 mei 2016 - 8 augustus 2016 (100 days)

I wake up. It’s Sunday, May 1st — the day I’ve been looking forward to for the past three and a half years. The day I set off by car for Tokyo, and later across America. It’s a different feeling than usual when I leave for vacation. My neighbors come outside to wish me a safe journey. I get into Brutus, the yellow Land Rover I’ll be driving around in for the next few months. In Amsterdam, I meet the other travelers at the Oosterdok. I park the Land Rover along the quay. In the background are the Maritime Museum and the VOC ship Amsterdam. The weather is beautiful. Dozens of people have come to wave us off. So nice! The group photo in front of the cars and motorcycles feels almost like a press moment. I count at least twenty-five cameras aimed at us. The official moment has come. We’re off.

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Pilgrimage Trail Schoonhoven Vught

13-16 mei 2010 (4 days)

The Pilgrims’ Path is a long-distance hiking trail in the Netherlands that runs from Schoonhoven to Vught. The route is approximately 200 kilometers long and leads through beautiful landscapes—from polders and meadows to forests and heathlands. The path follows historical pilgrim routes and offers many sights along the way, such as old churches and monasteries. You also pass through charming villages and towns where you can enjoy local specialties and cultural events. The Pilgrims’ Path is a perfect choice for hikers seeking a challenging and inspiring journey through the Dutch countryside and its rich history.

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Botter Days Elburg 2009

11 - 13 september 2009 (3 days)

The Botterdagen in Elburg is an annual maritime event in the Dutch town of Elburg, held in August. The event is dedicated to traditional fishing and the maritime history of the region. There are various activities, such as boat tours on old fishing vessels, markets with local products, craft demonstrations, and live music performances. Visitors can also enjoy fresh fish dishes and other local specialties. The Botterdagen is a fun and educational experience for the whole family and attracts thousands of visitors from both the Netherlands and abroad each year.

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Weekend Nieuw Heeten

9 - 12 mei 2008 (4 days)

A weekend in Nieuw Heeten is a great way to enjoy the nature and landscape of the Netherlands. Located along the Pieterpad trail between Ommen and Harderwijk, Nieuw Heeten makes an ideal base for a relaxing hike through the beautiful Dutch countryside. The walk leads through picturesque villages, across heathlands, and through forests. There are plenty of ways to enjoy nature, such as cycling, horseback riding, and canoeing. With its peaceful surroundings and fresh air, Nieuw Heeten is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reconnect with nature.

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Weekend Nieuw Milligen

16 - 20 mei 2007 (5 days)

A weekend on the Veluwe at Landal Greenparks’ Rabbit Hill vacation park is the perfect way to enjoy all the beauty this region has to offer. Located in the picturesque village of Nieuw Milligen, the park offers a wide range of facilities and activities for the whole family. Visit the famous Kröller-Müller Museum in the Hoge Veluwe, which houses an impressive collection of modern art, or walk through the vast sand dunes of Kootwijkerzand. Whether you want to relax or be active, the Veluwe has something for everyone. Rabbit Hill is the ideal base for an unforgettable weekend getaway.

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Pieterpad from Swolgen to Pieterberg

4 - 10 april 2007 (7 days)

It’s Easter 2007, and we’re preparing for the final six days of the Pieterpad trail. From Swolgen, we walk the first leg to Venlo. Then we continue through the hilly landscape of Limburg. At the end of the fifth day, we walk into Maastricht. We’re nearly done. The next day, we hike the relatively short stretch to the endpoint at the Pieterberg. In the nearby restaurant, we receive a certificate. Content, we walk back to Maastricht. We’ve completed the entire trail from Groningen to South Limburg in twenty hiking days.

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Pieterpad from Doetinchem to Swolgen

17 t/m 20 nov. 2006 (4 days)

At the end of autumn, we pick up the Pieterpad again. Beautiful autumn colors in the forests, but also the occasional wet day. With umbrella and raincoat we walk toward Spijk. For this we pass briefly through Germany. At Millingen we cross the Rhine by ferry. Via Groesbeek and Gennep we arrive at the ferry across the Meuse. After four days we reach our endpoint for the weekend in Swolgen.

Photos Route

Botterdagen Elburg

8 t/m 10 sept 2006 (4 days)

Elburg is a historic Hanseatic town in the province of Gelderland, located on the edge of the Veluwe and near the Veluwemeer. The town has a well-preserved fortress wall and picturesque streets with historic buildings. Attractions include the National Organ Museum, Museum Elburg, and the Vischpoort. There are several cozy cafés and restaurants where you can enjoy local specialties. Elburg also has a beautiful marina and is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts. In addition, there are various events throughout the year, such as the Botter Days and the Fortress Days, which make the town extra lively.

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Pieterpad from Ommen to Doetinchem

3 t/m 6 juni 2006 (4 days)

Two months after we walked the first stages of the famous Pieterpad, we’re back in Ommen — the place where we ended last time. From Ommen we head into the forests toward Helendoorn. This part of the Pieterpad may well be one of the most beautiful sections of the route. Through the forests and over the heathlands we continue toward Holten. At Vorden, the second part of the route officially begins, described in a new guidebook. After four days we arrive in Doetinchem — our final destination for now.

Photos Route

Pieterpad from Pieterburen to Ommen

12 t/m 18 april 2006 (6 days)

When we step off the regional bus, we find ourselves in Pieterburen, one of the northernmost villages in Groningen. Pieterburen is the starting point of the most famous long-distance walking route: the Pieterpad. Many hiking enthusiasts have completed the stretch between Pieterburen and Pieterberg. Before we set off, we visit the seal sanctuary in Pieterburen.

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Holiday in Hoogersmilde

14 t/m 17 okt. 2005 (4 days)

Last weekend I went to Hoogersmilde in Drenthe. It was a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle, and I could fully enjoy the peace and space of the countryside. We went on beautiful bike rides and enjoyed the green landscape. We also visited the Dwingelderveld National Park, where we walked through the heathlands and along the fens. In the evenings we enjoyed the local cuisine in cozy restaurants. It was a relaxing weekend, and I returned full of energy.

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Sail Amsterdam 2005

Augustus 2005 (1 days)

Once every five years, the world’s great tall ships come to Amsterdam. It’s quite a spectacle when these large sailing ships approach the capital via the North Sea Canal. Even moored, the ships draw large crowds. Thousands of visitors try to catch a glimpse of them. We too follow the stream of visitors from Central Station to the IJ harbour. At some ships, there are long queues to go aboard. Where the queue is a bit shorter, we join in. It’s wonderful to walk on such a beautiful and enormous sailing ship.

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Nijmegen Four Days Marches 2005

Juli 2005 (8 days)

It’s 3:30 a.m. when I stand at the starting line for my first fifty kilometers during the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. Although I’m participating for the fifth time, my participant card states it’s my first time—only the official fifty-kilometer distance counts. Many parts of the route are already familiar to me, but I find the unfamiliar sections, where only the fifty-kilometer walkers go, particularly tough. Just after 2:30 p.m., I cross the finish line and complete the first day successfully, though I already feel a few blisters forming on my feet.

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Weekend Elburg Six Flags

Augustus 2003 (3 days)

Camping in Elburg is a great way to enjoy the beautiful nature and historic heritage of the town. There are several campsites near Elburg, including ones located in the forest or at the edge of Lake Veluwe. Campers can enjoy the peace and quiet of nature while still having easy access to the sights and activities in town, such as walking and cycling routes, water sports, and cultural events. Camping in Elburg also offers the chance to sample local products, such as fresh fish from the lake and artisanal cheese and bread from the region.

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Nijmegen Four Days Marches 2003

Juli 2003 (8 days)

In the run-up to the Four Days Marches, I was in doubt. Should I dare to walk the fifty? Due to a lack of time to train, I decide not to do it. As an alternative, this year I opt for the forty, after walking the thirty three years in a row. This means that, for the first time, I will cross the pontoon bridge at Cuijk and from there make my way into Nijmegen. As I complete the final kilometres of this year’s march, I know for sure: next year I’m going for the fifty and for the Nijmegen Four Days Marches cross.

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Nijmegen Four Days Marches 2002

Juli 2002 (8 days)

For the third time, I start the fourth day of the Nijmegen Four Days Marches. For the thirty-kilometre walkers, the fourth day is relatively easy. The distance fluctuates slightly each day. One day it’s a bit more, and especially on the fourth day, it’s slightly shorter. This year again, it feels like I am quickly on the Via Gladiola — the final stretch into Nijmegen. Along the way, friends are waiting by the roadside. I have a beer with them. Spectators also hand me flowers. With the flowers in my hands, I cross the finish line a little later and have completed the Four Days Marches once again.

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Nijmegen Four Days Marches 2001

Juli 2001 (8 days)

My second Four Days Marches. This year again I walk the thirty kilometres. The thirty is a great combination to experience the event but still have time to enjoy a drink in Nijmegen in the evening. The route is much easier this year than last. This is mainly because I already know the route. I can better prepare for the stretches that are still ahead. For example, this year I know all too well that it’s still an hour’s walk after passing the Nijmegen sign on the third day. Last year, that came as a nasty surprise.

Photos Route

Nijmegen Four Days Marches 2000

Juli 2000 (8 days)

Am I joining to walk the Nijmegen Four Days Marches? Not the fifty, but thirty kilometres a day. This is not the official distance for my age group, but it’s allowed. On Tuesday morning at half past seven, I’m at the start of my very first Four Days Marches. I realise that thousands of walkers doing the forty and fifty have already been on their way for hours. For the spectators along the route, it doesn’t make much difference — they cheer on all participants of all distances enthusiastically. Although I’m only walking thirty kilometres, I’m glad to finish the first day without too many problems. Tomorrow is day two.

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Interrail vacation Europe

13 juli -7 aug 1992 (28 days)

After a journey of more than three weeks by train through Europe, we return to the Netherlands. It takes some getting used to the fact that so many trains run per hour here. Compared to the countries we traveled through, the Dutch railway timetable feels more like a metro schedule. We don’t mind. After such a beautiful trip through Europe, it’s also nice to travel home quickly.

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