LAW guide Streekpad 18 Biesboschpad

Fierce storms, dike breaches and floods in the years between 1421 and 1424 put an end to the Groote Waard. This polder, which stretched from Strijen to Heusden, was home to cities such as Dordrecht and Geertruidenberg. According to legend, 72 villages were 'drowned' during this St. Elisabeth flood(s). The edges of the inland sea that was created at that time were later diked again. In the west the Hoeksche Waard has been expanded, in the east the Land of Heusden and Altena has grown. South of Dordrecht, the Island of Dordrecht has been drained and land on the water has also been reclaimed in the northern edge of Brabant. The Biesbosch formed in the center of the inland sea.

This walking guide takes you through the former Groote Waard. The path goes over dikes that held at that time, or were later raised around the newly reclaimed land, through villages that have a connection with the Biesbosch - Werkendam and Drimmelen - and of course through the Biesbosch National Park itself where you have a chance to see the sea and spot osprey and see gnawing marks from beavers. Don't forget your binoculars!

The starting and ending point is the beautiful fortified town of Geertruidenberg.