Werk aan het Spoel
Embedded in the polders of the river country and the floodplains of the Lek lies Werk aan het Spoel.
The Forthuis (Fortress House), the Amphitheater, the Genieloods (Engineers Depot), the Kogelvanger (Bullet Catcher) and the Bomvrij (Bomb Free) buildings recall the place that the 'Werk' occupies in the history of the Dutch Waterlines. This unique system of defense lines and defenses is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
In addition to a walking and cycling hub, Werk aan het Spoel is also a fantastic location for fun activities and events. For example, there are interesting excursions and guided tours, regularly bands and theater together The Fransche School (Old French School).
And for the festival lovers there is of course SPOEL (see more info!)
Fort Everdingen
Fort Everdingen can be reached in a good fifteen minutes over the dike or, more fun, along the Lek.
You walk around the fort to the entrance and then immediately see the path to the Liniepontje for a nice return trip. On the fortress you will find brewery, shop and tasting room Duits & Lauret, prize winners of specialty beers. Usually open Thursday to Sunday (closing at 18h).
As at Werk aan het Spoel, there are tours and other activities on the fort. There is a campsite of motorhome pitches.
Caatje aan de Lek
Caatje's restaurant is located in the Forthuis, on Werk aan het Spoel.
Through the large glass walls of the restaurant and the conservatory you have a beautiful view of the floodplains and the railway bridge of Culemborg, on the other side on the green Amphitheater. When the temperature rises, it is wonderful outside on the sunny terrace. Children can also have a great time here. There is plenty of space on the fort grounds to play.
Make a reservation in good weather, and keep an eye on the events at the Werk aan het Spoel!
Liniepontje
This ferry is part of the Hollandse Waterlinies. It is the connection between Werk aan het Spoel, Fort Everdingen and Werk aan de Groeneweg. From May to September weekends and holidays, from June 17 to October 10 daily.
Call the skipper (06 – 57 95 29 25) and he will pick you up!
The ferry leaves in front of our house, just on the other side of Werk aan het Spoel.
Farm shop
Witte Schuur
In our 'backyard' you will find the care farm de Witte Schuur (the White Barn) after a walk along the schootsveldpad.
Here they offer a protected, safe and trusted environment to (young) adults with disabilities. They get the opportunity to develop further here, so that they can continue to do what they are already good at. On the care farm you will find: the farm, bakery, farm shop and the Tea garden. You can go there almost daily for nice and tasty gifts, sandwiches, eggs and ice cream.
Schootsveldpad
Wandelaars komen in groten getale vooral achter langs het erf over het Schootsveldpad, onder meer een LAW en een Klompenpad. Er zijn nog veel meer wandelroutes in de omgeving en in Culemborg (boekjes liggen klaar). Via dit pad loop of fiets je naar de Witte Schuur en een winkelcentrum, of Culemborg centrum.
Unesco Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie
A 200 km long Defence line with almost 100 forts (or the smaller variant 'works'), many ingenious waterworks and a landscape full of stories. Built to submerge large tracts of land up to knee height (inundation). Too deep for humans and horses but too shallow for a boat. Designed to keep the enemy at bay with the water as a friend
An extraordinary example of a modern-time European Defence system that has remained intact; An ingenious system of military Defence by flooding that makes use of properties and elements of the present landscape; Unique in European architectural history; An illustration of Dutch inventiveness in land and water control.
De Lek
Right in front of the house you can enjoy the water, peace and nature on mini beaches hidden.
Walk around Werk aan het Spoel, or walk to Fort Everdingen.
The Liniepontje takes you back home! The Lek is actually the Rhine by the way...