Discover the variety of apple: Meester Kees invites you to explore it in the Betuwe

Discover the variety of apple: Meester Kees invites you to explore it in the Betuwe

In the picturesque region of Betuwe in the Netherlands, fruit growing awakens to new life. The experienced fruit farmer Kees de Jong, also known as Meester Kees, tours with his tractor, the so-called Elstar Express, through the lush orchards to bring visitors closer to the secrets of the apple harvest. The seventy -year -old drives leisurely with his guests, answers her questions and shares his extensive knowledge of the regionality and the cultivation of apples.

The valuable know-how for fruit growing also brings Kees van Blyderveen into the tours, which is considered one of the most important fruit wholesalers in the Netherlands. Together, the two kees want to ensure that the guests learn more about the diversity and history of the obscure in their homeland, because many combine the Netherlands, especially with cheese and tulips, but not with the apple harvest. However, the Getuwe region is a real core fruit paradise that is often overlooked, while tourists rarely pay attention to the fertile area west of Arnheim on the way to the North Sea resorts.

a long history of the fruit growth

The tradition of fruit growth in the Betuwe has died over 100 years. Marc André de la Porte, chairman of the regional fruit growing association, finds that apples were grown in the region 6000 years ago, as archaeological finds show. Today, around 300 fruit farmers cultivate different varieties, with the popular ELStAR variety over 35 percent of the cultivation. These modern trelled fruit cultures replace the once standing, large trees.

In addition to the fruit courtyard of hotelier Floris Peters, which presents over 300 old apple varieties in his national fruit park, there are many opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the apple blossom in spring or the harvest time in late summer. During this time, the Getuwe becomes splendid and colorful. While the spring blossom offers an impressive backdrop, you can also become active in the orchards during the harvest time. On so -called picking days, visitors have the opportunity to pick apples from the trees themselves or buy them directly from the farmer.

on the bike through the landscape

For a relaxing day in nature, the numerous cycle paths are ideal in and around the Betuwe. A popular cycle path leads from Geldermalsen to Leerdam and extends over 46 kilometers along the picturesque river Linge, which is known as the only river that flows through the entire area of the Netherlands. This relaxed route is ideal for a day trip to explore the rich fruit flora of the region and enjoy the fresh air.

In addition, the small ferry boats, such as the "Marietje", offer a charming transport route across the Linge, where cyclists and hikers can enjoy the silence of the water while traveling from one place to another. The historical alleys and the medieval flair are worth a trip in the nearby Buren. The city plays an important role in Dutch history, since it is referred to as the "pearl of the bedding" and has historical connections to the royal family.

The Betuwe is not only a place for the gravity of delights, but also a starting point for cultural experiences and historical discoveries. The charming villages that lie there, and the idyllic landscapes attract more and more cyclists and tourists who appreciate the connection between nature, culture and history. In the next few years, this region is expected to continue to become more important, both for locals and travelers from all over the world.

The best time to explore this region is from April to October, whereby the fruit tree flower and the harvest time are the highlights of the year. Arrival is uncomplicated, with rail connections from large cities in Germany, and the car ride by car is also possible without any problems. Against the background of such a rich cultural heritage and the fertile landscape, the Betuwe promits to be an unforgettable experience for everyone who visits.