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Breukelen
by Lars Haagen Petersen
The river Vecht in Breukelen - "Sint-Johannes de Doperkerk" - The churchtower can be seen in the background - Summer 2022
Breukelen is a small town in the municipality of Stichtse Vecht in the Dutch province of Utrecht. The cozy city is located near the river Vecht and Amsterdam-Rhine Canal. The small town with the approximately 11,000 inhabitants has given its name to the somewhat more famous one - Brooklyn - The district in the American city of New York is named after Breukelen, which was then called Breuckelen.
What makes the city and the nearby area interesting for me are the many boats that pass under the city's bridge and sail along the many impressive villas that are located along the banks of the Vecht.
Wanted
Boats on the river Vecht - Spring 2022
The area around Breukelen was extremely attractive for the wealthiest of Amsterdam's residents in the 18th century, where it was especially desirable in the summer to get away from the stench of the capital's canals, where faeces flowed freely. Anyone can imagine what a stench must have been in Amsterdam on a hot summer day and what a relief it must have been to get away from it. In the mentioned period, several mansions and castles were built in the area. Although the stench in Amsterdam has long since subsided, the area is still sought after, which is clearly seen by the many large and expensive houses.
Pleasure sailing on the Vecht near Breukelen - Summer 2022
I have heard the current mayor state that what makes the city attractive to many is the central location close to Amsterdam (approx. 30 km.), Utrecht (approx. 15 km.) and Rotterdam (approx. 70 km.) or 45 minutes by train. It also sounds quite comfortable, but if you are interested in beautiful boats and enjoy viewing them in cozy surroundings, the river Vecht at Breukelen is absolutely one of the best places to be near.
Cycle routes
"Sterreschans" is a small mansion from 1688 with a suitable car at Vecht near Breukelen - Spring 2023
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The pictures here are from the river Vecht... |
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...near Breukelen... |
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... were many boats can be seen especially at weekends at summertime |
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Boats on Vecht near Breukelen on a spring day in May - 2022
Scheendijk in the foreground and Breukelen in the background - Photo Wikipedia
The Scheendijk area has its special appearance due
to its history and geography and is located in an
area known for its lakes and ribbed sand islands,
called Loosdrechtse Plassen, which are popular for
tourism and water sports. The islands arose due to
peat extraction in the 17th century, when the peat
was excavated below the water surface and left to
dry on adjacent banks.
As peat extraction continued, the banks became
smaller as they were eroded by wind and waves.
Scheendijk means the divided dike, and it is first
mentioned in 1746. The houses on the islands are
often connected by bridges and a number of
houseboats and marinas can be seen along the lake
area. Here is also ample opportunity to rent both
parts. Scheendijk is part of the municipality of
Stichtse Vecht.
Other fine destinations
:Ni breve til geheimearkivar m.m. C. F Wegener:
