A Quaint Hobbit Town
Netherlands (Overijssel): Stage 13 Meppel to Zwolle 50 Km (Tue 25 July 2023)
Weather: 11⁰C min – 19⁰C max, partly cloudy
“If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way. If you don’t you’ll find an excuse” ~ Jim Rohn
Some days everything aligns resulting in a perfect day of bike touring … good breakfast, blue skies, gentle breeze, magnificent bicycle paths, mind-blowing scenery. Why can’t every day be like this?
The highlight today was Giethoorn, a quaint hobbit town that I passed through only 13 km after setting off from Meppel. This picturesque village without streets at the top of the province of Overijssel is picture perfect. It is often referred to as the “Venice of the Netherlands” because of its many canals and waterways. The village was founded in the 13th century by a group of fugitives from the Mediterranean region who settled in the area. Giethoorn is known for its unique transportation system, which consists of small boats known as “punters” that are used to navigate the canals. The village is also home to many thatched-roof houses, which add to its charming and quaint atmosphere. In recent years, Giethoorn has become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world who come to experience its natural beauty and unique culture.
But then after travelling another 10 km I passed through Belt Schutsloot which was even more stunning. Talking to an old man tending his beautiful garden, I remarked “Belt Schutsloot is even nicer than Giethoorn”, to which he responded “shush don’t tell the tourists”. Check out the two buttons above and you be the judge.
Zwolle is a city in the eastern part of the Netherlands, located in the province of Overijssel. It has a population of approximately 130,000 people, making it one of the larger cities in the region. Zwolle has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. It became an important trading centre in the Middle Ages, and many of its historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Sassenpoort gate and the Grote Kerk (Great Church), date back to this period.
Today, Zwolle is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with many theatres, galleries, and museums, as well as its lively cafes and restaurants. It is also home to several universities and research institutes making it an important centre for education and research in the region.
To top off a perfect day I have found an interesting looking Greek restaurant in Zwolle where I am going to eat tonight.
Lovely (Friesian?) cows, and very cute alpacas! Giethoorn does look very nice (and impressive, how they line their ducks up in a row), but Belt Schutsloot is certainly very lovely, too!