16. The Old Rhine - Hazerswoude-Rijndijk

You cycle along the Old Rhine. For a long time this was one of the most important rivers in the region. The Romans used the river as a border (the Limes) and as a means of transport for people and goods. The origin of the hoogheemraadschap is also linked to the Old Rhine.

During the Great Reclamation (from the tenth to the thirteenth century), excess water from the Dutch peat area was discharged into the river via ditches and peat streams. In the twelfth century, the mouth of the Rhine at the North Sea near Katwijk became blocked, causing the water to have nowhere to go. This led to major flooding in the region between Leiden and Utrecht.

To solve this regional problem, fifteen manors (forerunners of municipalities) joined forces to redirect the drainage of the area from west to north. Several canals were dug, including the Does and part of the Zijl, allowing excess water to flow into the IJ via the Haarlemmermeer and the Spaarne.

To coordinate the cooperation and monitor the works, supervisors were appointed. These supervisors eventually came to be known as heemraden. They were the predecessors of the hoogheemraden of Rijnland.