The Bernisse has a length of 7 km. A round trip with a detour through vacantion parc Zuytland 19.2 km (GPS-track).
No portages.Kayak rentals:
- Bootverhuur Bernisse, locatons at Vacantion Parc Zuytland Buiten and at restaurant De Pannekoekenbakker, both in Simonshaven. Reservations on-line on the website.
During the Middle Ages the Bernisse was a major waterway between Holland and the cities Antwerpen and Gent. It was a kilometer wide, and cities along the waterway became prosperous through tolls. In the year 1421 this all changed after the great St. Elizabeth's Flood. Currents changed and the Bernisse silted up so navigation was no longer possible. In the 19-seventies the former river was widened and a recreation-area was made. To-day there is an automated water-inlet at the Spui so there is a little current now. What stands out in this area is the quietness. Motorized boats are not allowed, and except for a bridge there are hardly no roads nearby. Quite a relief after passing through a heavily industrialized area.
To the starting point in Heenvliet
Exit the A15 in the direction Spijkenisse. After the bridge you turn right on the N218 in the direction Geervliet. You exit at Geervliet and pass through the narrow streets to Heenvliet. After a bridge you turn left on the Toldam, and you see a parking place on your left. From here you walk 50 meters to the kayak-pier. Near the parking place you find the restaurant Markt 1.Alternative starting points
There is a boatramp near Abbenbroek where you can start. There is a parking lot (Buishoek).There is a kayak pier on the sounth end of the Bernisse near the water-inlet. Here you park along the road.
Route of 19.2 km (GPS-track) from Heenvliet
Officially the Bernisse is 7 km. long, but I think it is a little bit more.The water is very clear. Near the sides and in de side-arms paddling is heavy because of the waterplants. But in the middle paddling is easy. In this area are several jetties where you can pause.
From the staring point you head south. After 6 km. you come at a lake, the Stompaardse Plas. To the left around the peninsula is a bay with a small beach. On the tip of the second peninsula on the left is pancake-restaurant De Pannekoekenbakker. You can go to the side at a pier that is use for renting out pedal boats. Around the peninsula you can pass through the vacation parc with holyday homes. From here you head south and cross the lake Stompaardse Plas. Then you turn left to the end of the Bernisse. There is a kayak-pier at the end. Portage to the Spui (200 meters) is possible. This is a major waterway with tidal current. Across the Spui is a small beach named Costa del Spui.
At the end of the Bernisse there is a water-inlet that is operated automatically. There may be some current around here, so keep a distance.
From here you return to the starting point.
Downloadable GPS-track (19.2 km): Bernisse.gpx.
Stompaardse plas.
Very special, a warning sign for a tree in the water...
Vacantion parc Zuytland.
Near the water-inlet of Het Spui, a branch of the Haringvliet.
Bridge jumpers.
Coots with young.
