May Cycling Month: a cycle tour along the Linge with beautiful landscapes
May is Cycling Month! The ideal time to get the bike out of the shed and discover the beautiful surroundings of Gorinchem. Be surprised by the winding dykes, picturesque villages and scenic landscapes along the river Linge. Enjoy the fresh spring air and experience a wonderful bike ride full of nature and culture.
Gorinchem: The gateway to adventure
Our bike tour starts in Gorinchem, a city steeped in history and surrounded by fortifications and water. The fortified town therefore has a rich maritime history. Nowhere can you see this better than Buiten de Waterpoort, where you start at node 50. Take some time for a panoramic view over the river before getting on your bike.
Short or long route
The Blossom & Fruit Route is a long cycling route of 77 km. between Gorinchem and Geldermalsen, where the Linge is at its most beautiful. You can easily shorten the route, as at 3 ferries across the Linge you can cross over and cycle back on the other side. We opt for a shorter bike ride and cross the Linge at Asperen to cycle back via the other bank. This gives you more time to enjoy all the beauty along the way.
Nodes
50-23-22-53-39-54-55-56-35-36-33-34-57-48-82 (Linge oversteken) -99-49-31-32-29-28-27-25-50
Enchanting orchards and blossoms
From Buiten de Waterpoort, you first cycle out of the city and along the Merwedekanaal canal to Arkel. After Arkel, you start following the Linge at junction 36. As you cycle along the Linge, you are surrounded by lush orchards that have their own charm in every season. In spring, the orchards become a palette of blossoms, filling the air with a sweet fragrance. The blossoms attract not only cyclists, but also countless bees and butterflies enjoying the abundance of nectar. In autumn, the orchards are full of fruit and you can see the bustle of the picking season.
Tip: check ‘Out and About in the Region’ to find out when the fruit trees are in bloom.
Leerdam: Glass city and art paradise
After a few kilometres of cycling, you will arrive in Leerdam, known as the glass city of the Netherlands. Visit the Nationaal Glasmuseum on the Lingedijk and discover the beautiful glass art this city has produced. If you cycle a little further, the Lingedijk turns into the Kerkstraat. Get off here and walk down to the Zuidwal to admire the mouse towers and to visit the Glassworks. Here you can experience glassblowing up close six days a week. Around 1.30 pm, the glassblowers have a break. A perfect time to have lunch on the fine terrace too! Or take a stroll through the park with the art route, which is right next to the glassworks.
"Asperen: A hidden gem"
As you cycle along, you pass the small town of Asperen. Although small, it has an undeniable charm. The old streets, well-preserved houses and historic buildings make you feel as if you have taken a step back in time.
Tip: at junction 82 is Fort Asperen, a fort from the New Dutch Waterline. Definitely worth a stopover!
Heukelum: History and nature
Your cycle tour continues to Heukelum, a village known for its harmonious mix of history and nature. Stroll through the narrow streets, admire the old farms and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Just before the village, you pass the beautiful Heukelum Castle (Merckenburg), located on the Heerlijkheid Heukelum estate. The castle cannot be visited, but the estate can. The entrance can be found on the Voorstraat, where an unpaved footpath leads to the castle. At the end of the path, you have a beautiful view of the castle!
After Heukelum, you cycle along the Zuiderlingedijk towards Spijk and Gorinchem, a picturesque river landscape! Along the dike are still some bunkers (group shelters) from the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie.
The cycle tour along the Linge is more than just a trip through the landscape. It is a journey through the history, culture and natural beauty of the Netherlands. Along the way, you pass historic towns, enchanting orchards and parts of the Unesco heritage Hollandse Waterlinies. This route is a perfect way to experience the soul of this area and have an unforgettable adventure on the banks of the river Linge.
Practical information
Many attractions and catering establishments are closed on Mondays. The route is most beautiful from April to September. Also, the ferries across the Linge only sail in season.
A comprehensive cycle route map of this area, featuring five top routes around Gorinchem, is available for purchase at the VVV Gorinchem .
