Prisca Visser is a photographer with a love of the outdoors and nature. For the Biesboschlinie she will be on the road capturing stories. She will take you through the polders, visit entrepreneurs and of course out on the water! Here she writes short pieces about it, so you can get to know the hidden gems in Altena.
Ah, the Biesbosch! That watery paradise we used to learn about only during boring topography lessons. But, I'll let you in on a secret, because behind that educational jargon lies a fascinating story. Without a raging storm and a dike breach, the Biesbosch would not be the enchanted place it is today. So, armed with curiosity and an adventurous spirit, I dive into the past, search for the tracks of beavers and spend a night in a cabin deep hidden in nature. Let the adventure begin!
Just a refresher. De Biesbosch was created as a result of human activity and the force of nature. Before the 15th century, the area was a marsh with creeks and small rivers. Dike building and land reclamation drastically changed the landscape. During the Sint-Elisabethflood in 1421, the dikes broke and the sea pounded on the land and villages. This created a large tidal area. This marked the beginning of the formation of the Biesbosch as we know it today. In the centuries that followed, people further changed the area, including the construction of dikes and locks. The result is a vast freshwater tidal area with unique flora and fauna.
On a foggy morning, we begin our exploration at the Outdoor Museum de Pannekoek, a small area next to Biesbosch MuseumEiland, which is free to enter. Here, in the winter, willow branches are cut and piled high to dry for further use. Along the way, we come across last year's piles of branches. It is still too early in the season to cut the willow twigs so the willows are still full of their long thin branches. Wisps of mist hang mysteriously above the water, making this place even more beautiful. Walking carefully along the muddy trails, we pass a beaver lodge, but unfortunately we see no signs of activity. Our walk continues past rows of gnarled, old willows and brings us to a "schrankkeet," where groomers used to stay for weeks at a time to cut rushes. This small hut exudes a nostalgic atmosphere. Before the Biesbosch was full of willows, rushes and reeds grew there. The locals harvested these to weave baskets, for example. Nowadays, the rushes are almost impossible to find, but the area does owe its name to them, the Biesbosch! During our walk, we also discover a duck decoy. A beautiful place to stroll through. The Buitenmuseum de Pannekoek is a hidden gem in the Biesbosch and incredibly fun and educational for a walk.
Our destination for the next night is a small cabin hidden in nature. The choice is up to us, whether we are going to walk the entire route or cover part of it by kayak. Our backpack is filled to the brim with all the necessities, but as soon as we start walking, we seem to completely forget about the weight. The scenery is simply breathtaking. All around us are fields, just plowed, with thick brown clay glistening in the soft sunlight piercing through the mist. The two-person kayak is already neatly waiting for us in the grass, and with a firm push, we push it into the water. The wind plays with our hair, but fortunately it helps us forward. Along the banks we glide silently, while the trees are already showing their autumn colors. Sometimes the reeds give way to a small creek or ditch, which leads us further into the enchanted nature reserve. This promises to be an unforgettable night!
Our shoes soaked from the sopping wet grass, we follow the posts with the Hidden Hut logo into a dense area. Little bridges take us further and the path becomes narrower and narrower. Suddenly the reeds give way and a little house appears, in a place where you really don't expect it. Black sleepers outline the asymmetrical facade, which consists mainly of large glass windows. We get the key from the locker and step into the cabin. Immediately our eye catches a small, cute stove that we quickly light. Quickly warm up and hang the clothes to dry by the fire! While the flames eagerly crackle and lick at the dry wood, we explore the rest of the house. The mattress is in the attic under a large window overlooking the willows. Who knows, maybe we can spot beavers from our cozy little house.
The next morning we wake up when it is still dark, our breath visible in the cold morning air. Breakfast is simple, but delicious: a mug of black coffee to wake up properly and a point of pumpkin pie we brought. Our shoes have dried by now, so we decide to take a walk around the hut. A few birds are already awake and singing their morning song, and we see many frogs along the way. Fresh snapping tracks of beavers betray their busy activities while we slept soundly. Back at the cabin we decide to light the fire outside, the flames dancing happily in the morning wind. Like true pyromaniacs, we have it burning quickly and we stare at the hypnotic flames, enjoying the warmth and tranquility. But then it is time to say goodbye to this idyllic place. We leave the peace and quiet behind and return to civilization.
This article was created in collaboration with Beleef de Biesbosch, the expert when it comes to exploring this area. Are you looking for a unique experience? Then definitely consider a night away at Hidden Hut, a perfect escape from the daily grind. Right next to the Biesbosch MuseumEiland is the Outdoor Museum de Pannekoek, a place not to be missed. The outdoor museum is not only a tribute to the region's rich history, but also wonderful for a stroll.
Do you also want to discover the Biesbosch and sleep in the Hidden Hut? Here you will find an overview of the locations she visited:
- Hidden Hut
- Boat Rental
- National Park the Biesbosch
- Biesbosch Museumeiland
- Experience the Biesbosch
Text and photos: www.priscavisser.nl. Here you will find all of Prisca's blogs.