Kleve, Millingen an der Rhein, Beek

150,000 years ago, it was freezing cold here. During the penultimate Ice Age, the Saalian, land ice from Scandinavia advanced into this region. In some places, the ice layer was up to 200 metres thick. Due to the persistent cold, the snow no longer melted and formed a thick mass of ice. The increasingly heavy ice pushed the ground aside with enormous force.

Between Nijmegen and Kleve (Germany), the ice left a characteristic W-shape in the landscape. Ice naturally seeks out the lowest points. As it continued to thicken, it began to push up the edges of the earth's layers. This is how the moraines were formed. Originally, this area was flat, but the advancing ice created a narrow, undulating ridge.

During this cycle route, you will cross these moraines and sometimes even cycle over their peaks. Rainwater that falls on the hills flows down through streams, creating a varied and water-rich landscape.

Fancy some more ice? Make a pitstop at IJssalon Clevers.