Hank is located on the edge of De Biesbosch National Park. There are two distinct focuses for a stay: the landscape and wildlife watching in the Biesbosch, and the history of water management and remembrance of the war. Aakvlaai and the activities at Docks Vissershang represent nature and water, while the Zuidhollandse Molen and two different memorials add a historical dimension. Those looking to combine nature and history will find concrete points of interest in Hank.

Waterscapes and nature

The Aakvlaairoute passes through a landscape with many creeks, beaches, jetties and islands. With a little luck, you may spot beavers and large water birds such as spoonbills and great egrets in the Aakvlaai. The landscape and opportunities for wildlife watching offer different ways to experience nature.

At Docks Vissershang, visitors can rent rowing boats, motorboats, canoes and motor sloops. Docks Vissershang also offers trips aboard a silent electric boat; a nature guide provides information about the Biesbosch’s flora, fauna and history. The activities mainly differ in format: with a rental boat, the focus is on choosing between boat types, while the silent-boat trip includes a guided explanation. Confirm the availability of rental boats and excursions directly with the provider.

Windmill and memorials

The Zuidhollandse Molen was built in 1791 to drain the Zuid-Hollandse or Nieuw-Dussense Polder, which was enclosed by dikes in 1682. The windmill thus connects two aspects of the polder’s history: its enclosure by dikes and subsequent water management. There were 109 years between the enclosure in 1682 and the windmill’s construction in 1791.

The Monument voor de line-crossers commemorates two resistance heroes who were killed by the occupying forces. It is located by the “De Keijzer” petrol station on the A27 near Hank, in the municipality of Altena. The war memorial in Hank is a separate monument: a bronze sculpture of a human figure falling backwards. It commemorates the suffering caused by the Second World War. The two memorials have different focuses: one commemorates two resistance heroes, while the other remembers the suffering of the Second World War.

Another option: the cycling route

The “Fietsroute door Het land van Altena” cycling route passes through Hank. Route details may be revised by the publisher, so check them with the publisher before planning.

When choosing between nature and history, this distinction is helpful: Aakvlaai combines landscape features with the possibility of watching wildlife, while the silent-boat trip adds explanations from a nature guide to its nature-focused experience. The windmill and memorials offer other historical perspectives, from polder drainage to remembrance of the Second World War. This makes it possible to assess Hank according to the interests that matter for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Werkendam, Nieuwendijk, Dussen, Sleeuwijk

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