From the ribbon village of Schalkwijk to Duurstede castle

Schalkwijk is a ribbon village along the Schalkwijk Wetering. A ribbon village is a long extended village that has developed along a canal, dike, road, levee or creek ridge. Schalkwijk is surrounded by the water of De Lek and the Amsterdam-Rijnkanaal, which is why residents speak of an island. Along De Lek you will cycle through the vast Netherlands and enjoy the beautiful views. You ride through Utrecht but across the water is Gelderland. In Wijk bij Duurstede, you ride past the castle park with Duurstede Castle. In the 13th century people started building with bricks. Zweder van Abcoude from the Van Zuylen family also wanted a stone house. This was the Donjon, a defensible residential tower. With all owners and families over the centuries, it expanded to once 75 rooms, without outbuildings. Today, the national monument is fully restored and worth a visit. There are regular events and activities.