After exploring the mountains of Norway, we decided it was time for a completely different adventure: the Lowlands. It was the perfect opportunity to show our children the home countries of their parents—Belgium and the Netherlands. We cycled from their Belgian grandparents in Vosselaar to their Dutch grandparents in Apeldoorn, taking a generous detour along the way to experience as much as possible.
Our children were fascinated by the historic cities of Antwerp, Middelburg, Ouddorp, Leiden, Gouda, and Dordrecht, as well as the diverse landscapes of the coastal dunes, the Biesbosch wetlands, the orchards of the Betuwe, and the forests, heaths, and sand drifts of the Veluwe. We cycled from beach to beach and dike to dike, enjoying fantastic weather—not a single drop of rain during 10 days and 556 kilometres on the bike. Along the way, we passed peaceful pastures with grazing cows, greenhouses, canals, and countless cosy towns and villages.
The iconic windmills of Kinderdijk made a lasting impression, as did the many river crossings by bicycle and pedestrian ferries. The Belgian and Dutch cycling infrastructure was simply outstanding. The extensive network of cycle paths and clearly signposted routes made every kilometre enjoyable, safe, efficient, and relaxing.
Along the way, we also caught up with a few friends, creating memories that will stay with us for years to come. It was a journey filled with discovery, and we all learned so much about the culture, food, history, and nature of Belgium and the Netherlands.
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