Heijen, Afferden, Nieuw-Bergen

National Park De Maasduinen is the longest stretch of river dunes in the Netherlands. The park, located between the River Meuse and the German border, is over 20 kilometres long and between two and three kilometres wide. Cycling a loop through De Maasduinen is already special, but it’s even more enjoyable to wind your way criss-cross through the park. That’s why this route takes you in every direction.

And speaking of directions, the landscape of De Maasduinen is the result of a fascinating interplay between water, wind and people over thousands of years. During the last Ice Age, strong westerly winds carried sand that formed these distinctive river dunes. Because water had free rein, sand and gravel were deposited in some places, while in others they were carried away by the current. Humans also played an important role in shaping the landscape, through activities such as cutting turf, planting forests and extracting sand and gravel.

By cycling criss-cross, the kilometres quickly add up. That’s why this route focuses on exploring the northern part of the park. On the way back, you follow the River Meuse towards Heijen.