Pilgrimage Netherlands Czestochowa (Poland) Day 1

This pilgrimage from Eindhoven (The Netherlands) to Czestochowa in Poland was plotted using Google Maps.

In the Netherlands, the cycle paths found are of good quality. In Germany and Poland the tour is on wirtschaftswegen and Radwegen. The Radwegen are often no more than a gravel path. Even forest trails are not shunned. A bike that can take a beating is highly desirable. A solid randonneur will suffice, but for this route an MTB is actually best.

On August 15, The Assumption of Mary is celebrated exuberantly. Try to be in Czestochowa a few days before that date. You will be amazed by the thousands of pilgrims who arrive there singing and making music so as not to miss the solemn Eucharist.

Conditionally, the tour does not ask much of the cyclist, apart from the sometimes poor paths.

Where the cycle paths go through the city, it is advisable to just stay on the roadway because in the city it goes quite often sidewalk to sidewalk.

The bike tour is a low budget trip that goes from campsite to campsite in Germany. In Poland changing between camping and simple B&B's.

The landscape is not varied because one follows the 51st parallel. You will pass through a lot of nature reserves, which are worth getting off.

The first day goes along the Eindhoven canal towards Helmond. Pay particular attention to the vegetation on the banks, where unique plant species occur. From Helmond to Venray follow the N270. That's not so pretty. Then the track goes over the meuse towards Germany. You pass the Amusement Park Irrland.

Be sure to visit the center in Kevelaer. In and around the pilgrim church it is pleasantly busy. Lighting a candle and a shooting prayer to beg for a successful trip can't hurt.

The campsite is a Naturzeltplatz (Anna Fleuth). A good campsite for cyclists and backpackers.