With your hair in the wind along the ancient Dutch polders. Only the sound of your skates can be heard. Space, polders, dykes and challenges; that is skating in the countryside of Dordrecht. On the Eiland van Dordrecht, two signposted skating routes have been set out with special skate signs. The signs are attached to lampposts or under traffic signs. This skateroute with blue signs (10 km) goes through the polders in the outskirts of Dordrecht. You can extend this route with the red route (20 km). The red-striped signs show where you can continue the other route. (Unfortunately, the signs are missing in a few places, but the route description clearly indicates how to skate the route).
Starting at Aldergrove car park
Noorderelsweg 6A
You can start this route at parking place De Elzen near café-restaurant De Viersprong and Speelbos De Elzen. You can have a drink on the terrace before setting off. Turn right from the car park and turn right at the first intersection.
Natural and cultural history museum
Noorderelsweg 2a
On the left, you pass Museum Twintighoeven, which is located in the former cooling house of Hoeve Jong Dordrecht. It shows the cultural history of the Eiland van Dordrecht since the Sint Elisabethflood of 1421. You can visit this museum, but it is not open daily. Continue straight ahead.
Viewpoint Louisa & Cannemanpolder
Noorderelsweg 2
Here you have a beautiful view over the nature reserve and the water. There is a picnic table here, ideal if you want to take a break. Turn left here and follow the cycle path under the dike.
New Merwede Road
Zwanenplaatweg 2
Keep following the cycle path along the dike. Also turn left at the sign at Zwanenplaatweg. Go straight ahead here!
The Griendheuvel and marina
Nieuwe Merwedeweg 2A
On the left, you pass horse dairy, breeding farm and stallion farm De Griendheuvel. In the summer months, a tea garden is open here. At the top of the dike on the right is the entrance to the Tongplaat nature reserve, where you can take a lovely walk. You can also see Jachthaven De Zuidhaven there. The skate route continues straight ahead under the dike. Follow the road for a few kilometres.
T-junction with Noorderelsweg
At the t-junction, turn left onto Noorderelsweg. The signs from this side are not very clear. If you want to skate a longer route, you can follow the red-striped signs straight on and then follow the subsequent 20 km red skate route.
Intersection with van Elzelingenweg
Noorderelsweg 5
At the crossroads with the van Elzelingenweg, go straight on. Around this intersection are several beautiful farms, such as Hoeve De Biesbosch on the right.
The Stoop bench
Noorderelsweg 3
On your left, you pass the Stoopbank, a simple monument symbolising the reclamation of Polder de Biesbosch. When you go up the stairs, you have a view of the polder. You can take a rest here on a bench and look at the information board with the history of this polder. Continue to follow the Noorderelsweg straight on.
End point
Noorderelsweg 6
You are now at the end point of this skate route. Turn right here and you are back at the car park De Elzen. If you want to skate a bit further, go straight ahead and follow the red skateroute (20 km).
