De Biesbosch and water belong together like a kayak and paddle. From its first emergence after the Elisabeth Flood of 1421 until today, the landscape in the Biesbosch has been defined by water. Yet that landscape has changed considerably in recent years. The Room for the River program changed our view of how we deal with water. We no longer just contain it, but give it space wherever possible. That results in dry feet and beautiful nature.
The Noordwaard is one of the areas that have been tackled in recent years to make room for the river. It is an area of some 4,450 hectares on the Nieuwe Merwede, on the north side of the Biesbosch National Park. From 2010 to 2015, the area was de-poldered: what was once inner dike territory now became outer dike. The dike was lowered, allowing the Nieuwe Merwede to overflow its banks at high tide. This happens several times a year, especially in winter when meltwater and rainwater cause the water levels to rise. But not the entire polder is flooded: high quays have been built in a number of places so that roads and houses remain dry.
Those dry feet are nice, of course, but room for the river also means there's a lot to enjoy outdoors. We give you an impression of what's on offer in the Biesbosch Line:
Where water is given free rein, nature changes. In the Biesbosch, shallow lagoons, channels and mud flats became the domain of migrating freshwater fish. Groups of spoonbills, common terns and egrets populate the area, and sea eagles and ospreys are now among the permanent residents. In Noordwaard, large grazers keep the area open to the water. Canoeing through shallow creeks, and hiking through marshy and rugged marshland, you may just come face to face with a water buffalo or konik horse.
In the Noordwaard, water buffalo graze the areas outside the dikes, which is unique for the Netherlands. The buffalo feel very comfortable there. The area is wet, and they find plenty of food. The buffalo were released here for a specific purpose: they like to swim and travel long distances. Moreover, they are a lot bigger than Scottish Highlanders or Koninck horses, which allows them to digest rough food such as old reeds or cattails, in places where the other grazers do not come easily. They have thick skin, which is why in summer you often see them in the water to cool off. It is still quite an experience to encounter one, but keep enough distance. Water buffalo are not dangerous, but they are curious.
At the Biesbosch Museum, you can learn all about how we lived and live together with the water. From the first emergence after the St. Elizabeth flood to smuggling routes in World War II, it's all covered in the exhibits.
Outside, you can experience for yourself how the Biesbosch prevents higher areas from flooding. In the scale model of the Biesbosch Beleving you can slide and turn knobs yourself to see how you influence the course of the water with polders and dikes.
Photo National Park De Biesbosch
A watery landscape is of course best discovered from the water. Rent a canoe at one of the rental points, and go on a voyage of discovery through the many creeks, streams and canals in the Biesbosch Line. Certainly the Noordwaard is easiest to explore by canoe.
Prefer something a little less sporty? Rent a hybrid sloop and sail around the Biesbosch. Or how about a bicycle tour that includes crossings by the various ferries? If you want to enjoy yourself luxuriously let yourself sail around on a canal boat or one of the region's skippers for a wonderful day out.
We've collected the most beautiful canoe routes for you in our canoe guide. Bring your canoe, or rent one at the rental points in Altena.
Planning your own route? With the canoe node route through the Noordwaard you choose your own route, without getting lost!
In the Noordwaard you will find the artwork "the Washing Moon," by artist Paul de Kort. It is landscape art: a labyrinth of water channels and dikes that changes with the tides, weather and seasons. De Wassende Maan is art and nature at the same time. Therefore, you will not immediately notice that there is a labyrinth hidden in the landscape as you walk along it. You won't see it until you climb the hill in the middle of the artwork.