The best cycling routes around Geertruidenberg

The Biesbosch was originally polder land, but after a storm surge, the area transformed into an inland sea. Water from the Maas and Waal rivers transformed it into a freshwater delta. Sand and river silt formed sandbanks, which were particularly suitable for rushes. Hence the name 'Biesbosch'. When the Haringvliet inlet was later closed off, the large differences between high and low tides disappeared. Nature was given free rein, and the area became wilder. Today, sea eagles and ospreys breed here again. A truly special sight!

Flood disaster on the night of January 31 – February 1, 1953 Prince Bernard, Gerben Sonderman (aviator), and Mayor Prinssen on the steps of the town hall, February 10, 1953. 2019 marks the 66th anniversary of the catastrophic flood that struck the southwest Netherlands. Dikes breached in many places, and within moments, large parts of Zeeland, North Brabant, and South Holland were underwater. More than 1,800 people died, and over 100,000 residents lost their homes. The disaster continues to deeply impact the identity, culture, and development of Dutch society to this day. Sadly, the disaster also affected our village. Dozens of houses in Raamsdonksveer were destroyed or severely damaged (Boterpolder, Sandoel, and Keizersdijk). More than 75% of the built-up and undeveloped areas of Raamsdonksveer were flooded. Approximately 2,000 residents were forced to evacuate their homes during the disaster. Fortunately, no one drowned in our village. However, a resident of Raamsdonksveer, Mr. Sjef Pols, of Sandoel 41, died of cardiac arrest at 3:00 PM on February 1st during rescue efforts and while carrying sandbags in the immediate vicinity of his home. Possibly near the barn belonging to Berende, located opposite his home and Staps bakery at Sandoel 43. Mr. Pols is honored on the memorial wall of the Flood Museum in Ouwerkerk. On February 10th, Prince Bernhard visited our village by helicopter. Photos of our village in the first days after the disaster were shared throughout the Netherlands and the world.

Lovely Gravel Stretch, suitable for gravel and normal bikes

2025 and still easily doable by road bike (if not too wet)!

Nice ride with a view.

Check in advance whether the ferry is running

There are some great self guided historical routes in this area

Death and destruction During a chaotic afternoon, the inhabitants of Raamsdonk experience what the price of freedom can be. But a small miracle also occurs. After their colleagues from the Black Watch have liberated Waspik Boven on the morning of October 30, the 7th Battalion of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders moves through their lines on their way to Raamsdonk. It is three o'clock in the afternoon. Unfortunately, the enemy has set up a new defensive line in this village to prevent the Allies from taking the important bridge of Keizersveer. The Scottish infantry, supported by four tanks from the Northamptonshire Yeomanry, notice this when they enter the village. Things go wrong almost immediately. In a short time, the two front Sherman tanks are disabled by Germans with a Panzerfist. The remaining tanks open fire on suspicious positions while the Scottish infantry try to sneak their way forward. Unfortunately, many farms also fall victim to the exuberant fire of the tanks. Most of them are soon ablaze. Civilians try to find a safe haven via the ditches. The Luiten Ambachtstraat is a large Hieronymus Bosch-like scene of smoke, fire and explosions. At the end of the day, the British battle group has not gotten much further than the edge of the village. Twelve soldiers have already been killed. Eight civilians also die in the violence of war. The attack is stopped when darkness falls. When peace has somewhat returned that night, an unbearable tension hangs in the village. What will the next day bring? As usual, retreating German troops blow up all the high points. That is also the intention in Raamsdonk. Pastor Leon van Herpt of the Sint Bavokerk (1889) sees five German soldiers enter the rectory. When he hears that they want to blow up his tower, he tries to talk them out of it. When he discovers that they are so-called Volksdeutsche from Alsace, he appeals to their French pride. That works and a small miracle occurs. The soldiers yield to his arguments and retreat. The next morning, the battle for Raamsdonk is resumed and it takes until the afternoon before this last barrier for the Keizersveer bridge is taken.