Tourist in your own region

Fort Altena dates from 1847-1850, making it the oldest of the four Brabant forts in the New Dutch Waterline. It is also the only tower fort of these four forts.
The tower of Fort Altena owes its name mainly to its round shape, not to its height. It consists of 2 layers: a basement and a first floor. The walls are "bombproof" and nearly 2 meters thick, as protection against artillery strikes. Ironically, when these walls were completed, they had already been overtaken by developments in the arms industry. They were never truly bomb-proof.

In 1878, the fort was substantially rebuilt and expanded to three times its original size. It also changed its name: henceforth it was called "Fort aan den Uppelschen Dijk.

Tip: There are regular guided tours of Fort Altena.

Tip: Between junction 56 and 54 (just off the route) Duyls Bos - location Almkerk
Open from Thursday to Sunday from 11.00 - 16.00 hrs.

The Duyls Bos is a gem yet to be discovered. You easily cycle or walk past it without ever knowing what lurks between the trees.

How to get there. At node 56, turn left at the intersection across Emmikhovenseweg, then turn right onto Duijlweg (you'll pass the Duyls Bos on the left), then turn right onto Midgraaf and left onto Provincialeweg Zuid to pick up the route towards node 54 here. Note: if you visit this location, you extend the bike route by about 2.6 km.

Between Junctions 52 and 54
You pass a traditional clog factory. Here you can stop by during the day for a cup of coffee and a visit to the clog store. Demonstrations in the clog-making shop are by reservation only. Go back in time with Prisca's blog and discover the clog makers and Duyls Bos.

Between Junctions 52 and 50
Between node 52 and 50 on Wilhelminastraat there is a resting place and a water tap of Brabant Water. For this you have to deviate about 100 meters from the route.

Near node 52 you will find Kasteel Dussen
Address: Binnen 1-4, 4271 BV Dussen
Open on Sunday afternoon

In the late 14th century, the original "donjon," a four-story residential tower, was expanded into a castle by various descendants of the van der Dussen family. In the course of time, the castle changed hands regularly and various (noble) families added floors, additions and extensions and a Tuscan colonnade. Over the centuries the castle has suffered many misfortunes, the lowest being the St. Elisabeth flood and various wars. From 1954 to 1997 the castle served as the town hall, after which it came into the hands of Monuments Fund Brabant.

Between 50, 51 and 59 you cycle along the Bergsche Maas
Behind the dike is the Bergsche Maas. It starts at Welle and flows past the fortified town of Geertruidenberg towards Hollands Diep.

Between Junctions 53 and 67
Here you cross a small bridge onto a semi-paved path through the Pompveld.

Tip! Park your bike at the Pompveld and walk from here through/around the Pompveld, about 5 km.

Pompveld nature reserve
In the early 1960s this region was almost smoothed out by large-scale land consolidation, a disaster for nature and landscape. Only one small polder escaped the dance.

The Pompveld is about 240 acres, a reserve of wet meadows, willow and poplar forests, an oasis of peace and quiet. The Pompveld is not freely accessible, but you can walk around the Pompveld (6 km). With a little luck, you will see deer, hawks or egrets during that walk. Who you certainly won't see is the mud creeper hiding in the water. Centrally located in the Pompveld, a historic duck decoy is maintained where professional decoy workers work during open days.

At junction 67
Picnic benches

Junction 71 Uitwijk
There is a water tap of Brabant Water and a small square with benches.

Between Junctions 40 and 41
you pass farm store Kraaiveld, which sells breads and cakes from baker Hardeman, fresh organic vegetables from the estate and juices. You also pass the 2 mills at Uppel.

You can rent a (electric) bike from various rental locations. Contact them for availability and bike rental.