Dordrecht – Oldest City in Holland

Netherlands (South Holland): Stage 17 Hertogenbosch to Dordrecht 69 Km (Sat 29 July 2023)

Weather: 14⁰C min – 22⁰C max, rain (90% chance), winds SW at 15 to 30 km/h.

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“There can be no rainbow without a cloud and a storm” ~ John Heyl Vincent

Waking up at first light I prepared a quick breakfast, showered, dressed in my wet weather gear, packed my panier bags and was on the road by 7 am. What an obscene hour! Being Saturday morning, there was nobody else around except the stallholders in the market setting up for trading.

It was deathly quiet, even lonely, as I pedalled along on a long straight fietspad running beside the Drongelens Kanaal. Unlike other paths I have been riding on in this country, it was quite rough because of all the tree roots that were lifting the paved surface. I continued on under a canopy of dark green trees for about 17 km, glancing occasionally at the smooth, silver canal on my left.

It was a relief to finally turn left onto a better path running through a beautiful forest (Nationaal Park De Biesbosch). But the smooth sailing only lasted until I came to the small town of Sprang-Capelle. Like most towns in this area the streets are paved with bricks, almost as rough as cobblestones.

After passing through a couple of other nondescript towns (Waspik and Raamsdonk) I came to a very pretty town called Drimmelen, where I just had to stop to take some photos.

But I was conscious of the forecast for storms and heavy rain to hit Dordrecht at about midday so I pushed on. Just as well I did because I arrived at my destination at 11:50 am and the rain arrived right on cue 10 minutes later. By that time I was enjoying a coffee and panini under a large umbrella that sheltered me and my bike.

Dordrecht is a city and municipality located in the western Netherlands, in the province of South Holland. It is situated on an island bordered by three rivers: the Oude Maas the Noord, and the Merwede. Dordrecht has a rich history, dating back to the 12th century, and it played an important role in the development of the Dutch Republic in the 16th and 17th centuries. The history of Dordrecht is closely linked to the water. In the Middle Ages, the city was fortunate enough to obtain the so-called ‘staple right’. It meant that all goods that arrived by sea first had to be offered at the market in Dordrecht before being transported further over the rivers. It made Dordrecht a true trading city and the most important city in Holland. That’s still reflected by the many harbours, warehouses and stylish merchant houses.

According to the Dutch Central Bureau of Statistics, as of January 2021, the population of Dordrecht is approximately 119,000 people.

Today Dordrecht is known for its historic city centre, which features several well- preserved medieval and Renaissance-era buildings, as well as its museums, parks and cultural events. The city also serves as an important transportation hub, with several major highways and train lines passing through it.

So tomorrow is my last ride of what has been an enjoyable tour. I can’t believe it has gone so fast.