Around the Betuwe past Tiel and Buren

From the regional museum, head into the region. You cycle along the Lingemeer of 80 hectares in size. It was created by sand mining and as much as 15 meters deep. The Betuwe is a special part of our river country. Fruit orchards are plentiful and when the fruit is ripe you can taste it in many places. Along winding paths and over small dikes you will reach Ijzendoorn. Here is an overnight harbor where cargo ships can moor without hindering other shipping. You will cycle along the Waal river to Tiel. Since the last century Flipje, the fruit boss from the books, has been the mascot of the city. Tiel is among the oldest cities in the Netherlands. In the 13th century, Tiel obtained city rights. The route continues to Buren. This city has fortifications which are still largely intact; ramparts, walls and a city gate. Buren may call itself Oranjestad because of its connection with the royal family. William of Orange married Anna van Buren there in 1551. Princess Beatrix and King Willem Alexander are therefore countess and count of Buren. At the Elfstedentocht, Willem-Alexander registered as W.A. van Buren. At Rijswijk the Amsterdam Rijnkanaal is crossed. Along the canal it heads south. Water on one side and the green landscape on the other give you a wonderful impression of the Betuwe.