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Hank · Brabantse Biesbosch · Bleeke Kil
Circular walk De Aakvlaai
among reeds,
water and silence
Peaceful water landscape with nature, history and a relaxing length.
This makes the route special
- Direct walking between water, reeds and islands
- Broad views over the Aakvlaai
- WWII memorial for the Halifax MK III
- The Jannezandsebrug over the Bleeke Kil
- Finish at the Vissershang marina
To take into account
- Short view of industry near Geertruidenberg
- Pay attention to cyclists on the wide dike
- It can be busy at the Kurenpolder in the summer
- Hospitality is only at the beginning and end
Start at Natuurpoort Vissershang
The Aakvlaai starts immediately in the middle of the water landscape
From the parking lot you can walk without any delay between open water, overgrown islands, wide ditches and rustling reeds.
The smell of wet grass and the calls of water birds accompany the first meters. Although De Aakvlaai was only constructed at the end of the 1990s, the landscape feels much older and rougher.
The yellow route is an accessible circular walk for those who want to experience the atmosphere of the Biesbosch in a short time. You can find more routes on my overview of walks in the Netherlands.
From Vissershang, the watery landscape is immediately open to you.
A young area with an old appearance
Where water and land continuously shape each other
The Brabantse Biesbosch was created by centuries of interaction between rivers, tides and human intervention. Creeks, tidal forests and islands give the landscape its recognizable character.
The Aakvlaai was designed as a nature and recreation area. Wide ponds, reed fields and small islands provide space for birds, fish and bank plants.
Despite its young age, De Aakvlaai exudes a striking primal tranquility.
Over the wide dike
Nature with industry on the horizon
The water landscape extends on the right, while the Geertruidenberg industrial estate appears on the left. The power plant and factories form a stark contrast with the reeds and puddles.
The view briefly disrupts the experience of nature, but also makes visible how vulnerable this area is. The dike is also a popular cycle path, so keep passing cyclists in mind.
Water and reeds on one side, industry in the distance on the other.
Temporarily a bit more lively
Along the Kurenpolder
At the recreation area you walk past a campsite, swimming beaches and playing fields. Then the silence quickly returns.
Recreation among nature
A short asphalt section through the Kurenpolder
After the dike the route runs towards the Kurenpolder. Here the environment temporarily changes from quiet nature into a recreational area with camping, beaches and playing fields.
This part can be busier in summer. As soon as you leave the Kurenpolder behind you and walk back into the greenery, the reeds, the birds and the open polder feeling return.
An impressive point of silence
The monument for the Halifax MK III
Just after the Kurenpolder there is a memorial stone for the British Halifax bomber that crashed here on May 25, 1944. All six crew members died during the mission.
The simple monument is located in the middle of the polder landscape. It is precisely this austere place that invites you to pause and reflect on the war story that is connected to this landscape.
A silent reminder of the six crew members who died.
Along a winding creek
The Bleeke Kil and the Jannezandsebrug
From the monument you follow the banks of the Bleeke Kil, a wide creek that is connected to the larger water system of the Biesbosch.
The Jannezandsebrug spans the water and offers views in both directions. After the crossing, the paths become wider and the circular walk gradually bends back to Vissershang.
From the bridge you look out over the winding creek and the surrounding greenery.
Back at the starting point
The marina of Vissershang
After 6.7 kilometers the walk ends again between the boats and the open water.
The wide paths along the Bleeke Kil take you quietly back to the nature gate. With a view of the marina, the transition from nature reserve to starting point feels very gradual.
At DOCKS Vissershang you can drink or eat something afterwards. The terrace on the water is a nice place to end this short, versatile walk.
The boats and the terrace mark the relaxing end of the circular walk.
Captured along the way
Photos from De Aakvlaai
A short walk in which water, silence and history constantly alternate.
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