Fun and varied bicycle tour through the head of Overijssel

Start and finish of this rather long route are in Giethoorn, the special and watery place in the head of Overijssel. Nicknamed Dutch Venice, the village has been highlighted countless times in tourist programs and films, and partly because of this, the crowds have increased greatly. Nevertheless, there is plenty of room for an enjoyable exploration of this remarkable landscape, which consists mainly of ditches and canals with many typical humpback farmhouses along the banks. After Giethoorn, the trail heads north along the Boven Weide, one of the larger lakes in this region. Along reed-planted shores, after about 10 kilometers we skirt the former fortified town of Steenwijk, which still has many sights stemming from the 80-year war. From the village of Kallenkote, where a small animal park warrants a visit, we enter the province of Drenthe and the landscape changes to a more wooded area. Especially around Havelte - called the pearl of Drenthe - there are numerous forests, moors and sand drifts, and the chances of encountering a flock of sheep are high. Along the route is a large amount of monumental buildings with a rich history. The trail then heads west again, through the village of Nijeveen, where the famous corn mill de Sterrenberg is an attraction. At Wanneperveen we end up back in the section of the route characterized by many water sports, a panoramic conclusion to this particularly varied tour.