Biesbosch MuseumEilandDry feet and wet earth

Dry feet and wet earth

Have you ever wondered how the Biesbosch was created? And how it was possible for workers in the osier beds to carve out an existence in a region of ebb and flood? And how we are still able to keep our feet dry in the delta today?

The Biesbosch MuseumEiland at the heart of the Biesbosch will help answer these questions. The past and the present come together in this unique freshwater tidal zone. Centre stage is the Biesbosch Museum, a feast for the architectural eye. This sustainably built structure which merges seamlessly into the landscape takes you on a voyage of discovery into how the Biesbosch formed and how it was influenced by humans. For children there is the Biesboschbeleving, a water playground designed as a scale model of the Biesbosch. It is at the mercy of the tides, which are constantly changing between ebb and flood. By operating the slides and sluices, learn how water currents can be controlled and harnessed.

The museum is also an ideal starting point for a multitude of cycling, walking and canoeing trails, as well as encounters with nature. In De Pannekoek, adjacent to the museum, you can walk through traditional osier beds which are maintained in time-honoured ways. Would you rather create your own route? Wander off-road into the wetland that is the Noordwaard: the nesting site of the sea eagle and the osprey. The fantastic views and the diversity of the birdlife will simply take your breath way.

Information

Plan your visit at www.biesboschmuseumeiland.nl

Biesbosch Museum Island as a starting point

Fort Bakkerskil and Fort Altena

Close to the Biesbosch Museumeiland are Fort Bakkerskil and Fort Altena, both of which formed part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, a waterline defence system initiated by the military in the 19th century. Fort Bakkerskil has since been converted into charming bed & breakfast establishment. Fort Altena, on the other hand, is an ideal spot to enjoy a nice refreshing drink and a delicious lunch. www.fortbakkerskil.nl and www.fortaltena.nl

De Wassende Maan

The Wassende Maan (Waxing Moon) is a landscaped artwork on the edge of the Noordwaard. This labyrinth of water channels and ridges symbolises the balance between taming and giving space to the water. The artwork can be viewed from the look-out point along the Bandijk.

Exquisite vegetarian cuisine

Take the ferry across the Nieuwe Merwede river to its northern bank. Herberg Kop van ‘t Land serves unadulterated, organic dishes of exceptional vegetarian quality. It also has overnight accommodation. www.kopvanhetland.nl

Biesbosch cycle route

River ferries, wetlands, wide vistas and even an osprey or a sea eagle. All of these features prominently on this 57-kilometre trail through the Biesbosch. It comes with a free audio tour with many interesting stories to help you along the way. Check the ‘t Leeuweveerke and Pontje Steur ferry times before you go. Info & route