Prisca Visser is a photographer with a love of the outdoors and nature. For the Biesbosch Line she regularly goes out to capture stories. She takes you through the polders, visits entrepreneurs and of course out on the water! She writes short pieces about this, so you can get to know the hidden gems in Altena. Below are all the stories about the region.
Just inside the gate of Woudrichem stands a modest building which was once the fish auction. This building was the center of the fishing industry of the "Woerkum. Fishermen from the area sailed far up the rivers, even into Germany, and brought their catch here to auction. The amount offered echoed through the building, excitement rose, and the best fish went to the highest bidder. Prisca steps into the fish auction to see this history for herself.
The Struikwaard is a nature reserve along the Afgedamde Maas River where nature has free rein. It consists of fields crossed by long hedges. The area outside the dike consists of two large pools surrounded by trees and shrubs. At high tide, the water flows in here. One animal that benefits greatly from this is the beaver! Brabants Landschap administrator Kelly tells Prisca all about the Struikwaard.
In the Biesbosch Line, there is plenty of opportunity to harvest your own produce. From fruits and vegetables to brightening up your home or caravan with a beautiful bunch of flowers. Prisca visits the picking and harvesting gardens, meets the owners who put their heart and soul into their piece of land, discovers local produce and visits the nicest spots.
Fort Giessen focuses on conservation and education. During Prisca's tour, she learns all about World War I in this area. She tours the trenches and powder rooms, and discovers the special nature on and around the fort. Fort Giessen has also become a home for bats. The conditions for these creatures there are ideal: it is damp, quiet and dark.
Fortified town Woudrichem, or Woerkum, as the locals say, is the only town in the Biesbosch Line. Strategically located at the confluence of Maas and Waal, at the junction of 3 provinces, the town is known for salmon fishing (and of Doctor Tinus ;)). Prisca takes a look at its sailing heritage, climbs the Martinus Tower and gets a tour with a city guide. She has lunch in a casemate and discovers the cutest little stores.
Altena is rich in nature and culture, but also has a thriving countryside. Prisca cycles the Tasty Region route, a 32-kilometer route right through the polders and over the dikes, which takes her past local estate stores and stalls. She gets to know all the beauty that our farmers have to offer - both beautiful local produce and stunning landscapes.
The war that just did not want to become a war, but caused enormous tension and fear among citizens of a Third World War. The period between 1945 and 1991 is also known as the Cold War.
The Biesbosch Line is also home to remnants of this era. Prisca discovers traces of the Cold War and gets a tour from volunteer Arie Schouten at Fort Altena.
It's an old folk tale and we all know it. He was a trumpeter in the prince's army, he had no money, he was not a hero and he did not like martial violence at all. We are of course talking about.... Jan Claesen!
Did you know that a Jan Claesen is buried near the Romboutstoren of Andel? Not only that, his tombstone clearly states that he was murdered by "one van Breda and his group. Could it be the same Jan Claesen from the famous song by Rob de Nijs? Possibly! Prisca went to visit the grave of Jan Claesen.
Prisca set out to learn more about the most common tree in the Biesbosch: the willow! She visited the Biesbosch MuseumEiland and learned how people used to plant willows to use the long toes for wickerwork such as baskets and fish traps. She visited the braiders at outdoor museum the Pannekoek and took a look at basket maker Versteeg from Wijk en Aalburg.
Prisca visits Buffelgaard Verschure, a buffalo farm run by Richard and Monique. They have various products made from their milk that are for sale in the little store and in the farm vending machines located outside in a shed. She then takes a historical walk through Het Wijkerzand.
Prisca walked an eight-kilometer hike through the beautiful polder landscape, where you could not only enjoy nature, but also delicious, local delicacies along the way. She decided not only to capture this culinary journey of discovery with her camera, but also to participate herself. And conveniently, she comes by public transport and describes her route from the train station in Gorinchem to the bus station at Sleeuwijk de Tol.
De Biesbosch; that watery paradise we used to learn about only during boring topography lessons. But 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. With curiosity and an adventurous spirit, Prisca delves into the past, searches for the tracks of beavers and spends a night in a cabin hidden deep in nature.
Prisca discovers the hidden gems of Altena. From a clog factory passed down from generation to generation, to a local cafe where time has stood still. Prisca takes you on a journey back in time through the Biesbosch Line.
Prisca takes a bicycle tour along the four forts of the Biesbosch Line. These forts are part of the Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie, which is on Unesco's World Heritage List. Behind this waterline there is a special historical story. Besides the inundation (flooding to prevent enemies), a series of forts were built. Each fort had its own purpose to strengthen the line.
Altena used to be part of the Duchy of Brabant where burgundian life originated at court. Court life revolved around luxury and excess but has burgundy enjoyment adapted to the passage of time? Prisca sets out to discover if it can still be found in daily life on Altena.
