Bunschoten-Spakenburg, Amersfoort, Hoogland

Bunschoten and Spakenburg have grown together through expansion. Only the historic centres are still considered separate villages. The former farming village with city rights and the former fishing village live together in harmony. Except during the football match between the “Reds” (V.V. IJsselmeervogels) and the “Blues” (S.C. Spakenburg). Weeks before the derby, the whole town is buzzing.

Because Amersfoort was designated a growth city, it was able to expand significantly. It is now a municipality with around 160,000 inhabitants. “Hands off Hoogland”, the residents protested in 1967 when it was announced that their municipality would be dissolved. In vain, as on 1 January 1974 Hoogland was divided: the southern part was added to Amersfoort, the northern part to Bunschoten-Spakenburg. Despite this, Hoogland has retained its own character.

Nijkerk is a beautiful town that you also pass during this cycling route. With many attractive squares, historic buildings, small streets and lively cafés and restaurants, it is an ideal place for a day out. Nijkerk originated from a small farming community that lived along the IJssel around the year 1200. Over the centuries, the community grew into a village with more than 1,000 inhabitants. In 1940, the villages of Nijkerkerveen and Nijkerk were merged, creating the present-day Nijkerk that you cycle through on this route.