JeriB

In another Fodor's thread about delftware someone (jenviolin) mentions a bike tunnel in Delft. COuld someone give me directions to this tunnel in Delft?

artstuff

JeriB -

I was hoping that jenviolin would surface and post an address for the tunnel, but....

We stumbled on it in 1998, while we were walking to De Porceleyne Fles. We followed signs from the train station pointing towards the Delft pottery factory, and there it was! I suppose you could try the same route.

I pulled out my trusty Falk map of Delft, and looked at the area between the station and the factory, and discovered the "hamtunnel" which is what I think it is. Try this for directions -

From Stationsplein, take the Barbarasteeg to the Oude Delft, turn right, follow the canal to Kethelstraat, turn left, Kethelstraat turns into Achterom, then Ham is the next road on the right, which takes you through the tunnel.

Beware of all the bicycles, they whip through the tunnel so quickly. I've often wondered how many people using the tunnel actually stop, get off their bike and take a good look at this little gem they have in Delft. I hope this is the directions, that you have a chance to visit it, and enjoy it as much as we did. Have a safe journey. Peace.

Robyn

artstuff

JeriB -

I just remembered....you can check out the following website and see some pictures from our Holiday in Holland, including 2 pics of the bike tunnel -

http://home.uplink.net/~artstuff/id2.html

Peace, Robyn

jenviolin

Hi JeriB,
Sorry I didn't respond right away planning a trip to my own!). The Delftware mosaic bike tunnel is a short walk from the Market Square or the train station (interior decorated with Delft Blue tiles), and as artstuff says (well), it's on the way to the Delftware factory 'De Porceleyne Fles', so it's easy to include in a waling or biking tour of Delft. What you want to look for/ask for is the street named 'Achterom', then the bike tunnel that goes to the other side of the 'Rijn-Schie Kanaal' (more like a river than a canal). 'Ham' is indeed the name of the little street that leads to it, but I'll buy you a beer if you can find anybody who has ever heard of 'Ham'! (I hadn't, and I live about 250 yards from it!).
While you're chasing mosaics, be sure to pose for a picture on the Delft Blue mosaic 'couch' in the garden of the Prinsenhof museum, and check out the modern Delftware in the Gallery Terra Keramiek on the Breestraat (south of the Old Church) and the old Delftware in the museum Lambert van Meerten (north of the Olde Church). My bathtub is a masterpiece of Delft Blue mosaic, too, but not open to the public
Everything I've mentioned here is within walking distance of everything else. Enjoy!

jenviolin

On second thought, most people have heard of the 'Hambrug', or Ham Bridge, which is just a few meters south of the tunnel, so ask if you can't find it! (just say: Hahmbrugchghchghch)

artstuff

jenviolin -

I love your pronunciation of Hambrug. Thanks for the laugh!!! Peace.

Robyn

JeriB

To jenviolin & artstuff, thanks so much for your help, I put it right on my Delft page. When you talk about pronouncing "hamburgchchch" it makes me think of our last trip to the area. We stayed in Schrevening (approx spelling) we never could pronounce it no matter how much "ch" we added.

JeriB

Is the market in Delft in the town square or has it moved due to archeological digging?

JeriB

ttt

jenviolin

It's back on the main square and the Markt looks great. There was repaving, some renovation, and archaeological digging going on for a loooooong time but it's over now. Thursdays 8:00am - 4pm, and a smaller market nearby on the Burgwal/Brabantse Turfmarkt all day Saturday. There's also a flea/antique market on Saturdays on several streets near the new Tourist Information Centre and the post office(Hippolytusbuurt street/canal). Best time to visit: I'd have to say this weekend, when the whole town is transformed into a street theatre performance heaven!