Steenderen lies on the eastern side of the IJssel and combines an open, rural setting with distinctive historical features. These include two churches built in different periods, a war memorial and the remains of the former Oud Spaensweert Castle. There is also a clear choice of walking routes: the Tegelroute is about 3.2 kilometres long, while the Oltmansroute is about 5.5 kilometres. Their length and respective focus can help you choose an outing that fits your stay.
Landscape and History
Steenderen is part of the municipality of Bronckhorst. The landscape is open, with meadows and arable fields. Part of what is now the Plantenbos originally belonged to Huize Landlust and was laid out in 1827 by Evert Godevrid Planten. The Plantenbos is on Landlustweg in Steenderen. The landscape itself, along with a named estate and a specific year, features in the area’s history.
Churches and Historic Landmarks
The Remigiuskerk was built in the 15th century and has been listed as a Rijksmonument—a Dutch state-protected monument—since 1966. The Sint-Willibrorduskerk was built between 1862 and 1864. The construction periods are far apart, giving Steenderen’s church-building history two distinct points of reference.
The Spijker is a substantially altered remnant of the former Oud Spaensweert Castle. The remains of the former dry moat are visible around it. The Spijker cannot be visited inside, but it can be seen from the public road. Before travelling, check whether this viewing opportunity is still available.
Steenderen’s war memorial commemorates three residents who died during the Second World War or the Indonesian War of Decolonisation. It consists of a steel cross and two boulders, each bearing a commemorative plaque. The memorial stands in a paved pavilion between Toldijkseweg 1 and Burgemeester Smitstraat 2.
Walking and Cycling
The historic Tegelroute Steenderen is about 3.2 kilometres long and features seventeen granite photo panels. It is suitable for wheelchair users and people using a rollator. The Oltmansroute is longer, at about 5.5 kilometres, and leads from Steenderen through the open IJssel landscape. Along the way, it passes the Bronkhorster Molen, the Vreekolk and the Molenkolk.
The route also includes three restored old orchards in ’t Paradijs. They contain standard trees bearing old and forgotten varieties of apples and pears. The two walking routes therefore differ in more than length: the Tegelroute is the shorter option, with photo panels, while the Oltmansroute takes a longer course through the landscape and past several named places. Route details may change; check the current route before setting out.
You can also plan visits to nearby destinations by bike. Cycling along numbered-node routes and country roads takes you, among other places, to Bronkhorst, the IJssel and surrounding villages. These cycling connections offer another way to include the open landscape and nearby places in your trip.
Discover more destinations: Wichmond, Vorden, Baak, Halle, Olburgen, Hummelo, Bronckhorst, Toldijk.
Return to the main travel overview: Bronckhorst.
