The 'dikes' in the Netherlands are of a beauty that you rarely find elsewhere. The Netherlands knows better than anyone how to control water and get the most out of it. This route not only shows you part of this wonderful beauty, the arrival and departure route also takes you to some remarkable points that you can visit without obligation.

The route departs from Turnhout, Belgium. The departure location is not only easy to reach and recognize, it also offers very spacious 'meet & greet' options in a safe car park. Ability to shop, visit café and restaurant and refuel. In urgent cases, it is even possible to visit a technical workshop (Car 5, marked on the route itself by POI).

11 kilometers after departure, the route already dives into the local winding roads and you are immersed in this rural region where agriculture seems to be the source of income. Adapt your driving style to these rural roads. Depending on the season, these roads can be absolutely very clean, but also very dirty if the farmers work their fields. Pebbles in curves are no exception ...
It is best to get off the gas between route points 4 and 5. After all, you cross a very busy camping site and caution in the season is recommended. If you wish (not specifically included in the route) you can make a side jump to Baarle Hertog at route point 7. Baarle Hertog / Nassau is the infamous enclave village consisting of puzzle pieces Belgium and the Netherlands. Sometimes hilarious scenes are possible here, for example in cafés located on both Belgian and Dutch territory. One part of the café must comply with Belgian law, while 'on the other side of the bar' the Dutch laws apply. In some establishments, the boundary line is therefore drawn on the floor and wall. Knowing the Kempen people, the applicable laws are interpreted according to the inspiration of the moment, to the greater honor, glory and pleasure of the locals and the many tourists.

While you steadily drive towards the first transfer (route point 17) you mainly stay in agricultural area. Enjoy the wide views and the beautiful nature.
The transfer of the Bergsche Maas is of very short duration. Pay attention to the cable mechanism that keeps the boat in place in the river, nice to see!
Shortly after the transfer, the route leads you to the tavern 'De Koppelpaarden' (route point 20). Here it is not only pleasant to stay on the terrace, you also have ample parking space within sight of the tables. Small and large dishes are served if necessary, but you pass many eating and pausing options on the route.
After any tavern visit, you will return to the route via the same roundabout. After 7-8 kilometers you will notice an elevated dike on the left along which you drive a little (route point 23). This dike marks the eastern boundary of the National Park 'De Biesbosch', a particularly rich nature and water area. If you stay in the region, a separate visit to the Biesbosch, via boats for example, is particularly recommended, especially for nature lovers. This route only runs along the border of the park and does not enter it.
A little later you cross the river 'De Waal' via the A27 to end up in 'Gorinchem' (route point 29), a pleasant town that can offer you various forms of animation. Very extensive drinks, food and accommodation options, shopping, etc ... The transfer to Woudrichem or 'Wourkem', the decor town of 'Dr. Tinus', a tasteful SBS television series. A walk through this fortified town is very pleasant.
If you stay on the route, you will arrive at route point 31 and after 101 km on the 'real' dikes, where it is all about this route. The dikes are ... wonderful ..., as are the special residential buildings. A lot of time and resources have been spent on the many restorations that make time stand still in this special region. We can only ask that we treat this with the utmost respect. Watch your speed and do not make unnecessary (motor) noise. It would be a shame if these dikes were closed to motor traffic. Also pay attention to the tourists in the region, cyclists, hikers, the elderly, children ... all come to enjoy the panoramic views, the water, and the beautiful and well-constructed roads on the raised dikes.
You reach Fort Vuren at route point 33. Pleasant place to relax and worth a little break and / or walk. Please note that the parking options are rather small and you cannot leave the motorcycle in plain sight. If it is too busy in Fort Vuren, there are also two other establishments shortly after the Fort where you can go (between route points 34 and 35).
You continue on the dike from 'De Waal' to route point 40 where you prepare to cross the Waal via the A2. After passing the town of 'Zaltbommel', leave the A2 and drive to the dikes of the old dammed Maas.
If you wish, tavern “De Maasstroom” is recommended at route point 44 because of the nice terrace over the stream and good, safe parking facilities. After the break you can enjoy the next 30 kilometers, which run completely along the dikes of the dammed Maas,…
At route point 49 you take the second ferry of the day and you reach the fortified town of Heusden very quickly. A highlight on the route. So beautiful and with a lot of attention to detail almost completely restored. An extensive break (walk, terraces, restaurant visits, ...) is highly recommended here. Finally, you only have to travel 80 kilometers until the end of the route and you can fully enjoy the atmosphere and the authentic possibilities. Be sure to visit the artisanal establishment 'Bakkertje Deeg' on the Botermarkt, the 'main street' of the village. Please also note the term 'baguette', which is given a special meaning here. By the way, you will pass the Botermarkt at route point 53 before parking on the Vismarkt at the old inner harbor. Extensive terrace options,
which you can enjoy, if you have already eaten the ice cream that you have just bought in the 'IJshuys'….
Heusden waves along a majestic exit gate through the fortress wall. Enjoy the beautiful water before you start the last 80 kilometers, which are still more than worth it. You drive through the National Park De Loonse and Drunense Duinen (between route points 62 and 63). We advise you to watch out for the infamous 'goat riders' and their captain 'Hugo van den Loonsche Duynen' from the Dutch Volksverhalenbank…

While you continue to drive through agricultural areas, you will very close approach the Safari Park Beekse Bergen (route point 68), a safari park that is also worth a visit if you stay in the region. As you can understand, we advise you not to make the drive through the safari park by motorcycle….
Finally, a few elongated strips lead you back to the Belgian border. You pass a few villages and finally return to the departure point where you can use dinner in various restaurants, shop and refuel.

This route deserves the full 5 stars, not only because of the natural beauty and the wide views it offers, but also because of the excellent road quality and the driving skills that it asks to conquer the many curves. There is room for 'safe faster pieces' and where this is not possible you have absolutely no need for it. After all, you want to enjoy everything that surrounds you here, be it of a historical, water technical or natural nature. The route also offers extensive and particularly pleasant breaks and that is also a bonus. This route is an absolute flavor and will make you - without a doubt - a 'dike' adept like so many that have gone before you.