Gaanderen can be explored via walking trails and historical landmarks. The “Ganderpad” leads through Gaanderen’s varied landscape, along the Oude IJssel and streams, across river dunes and past traces of the iron industry. Gaanderen railway station at Hoofdstraat 26 serves as the starting point for the Ganderpad. Two other routes differ considerably in length: the “Gaanderommetje” is 7 kilometres long and leads from ’t Onland towards Gaanderen before returning via a long detour; “Rondje de Pol” is a walking route of about 2 kilometres that starts and ends at De Pol.
Walking Trails Between Forest and Water
On the Gaanderommetje, fields and pastures alternate with woodland. The route runs mainly along secluded forest paths and paved country roads, and follows the Bielheimerbeek for a stretch. There, walkers can observe waterfowl, aquatic plants and other life in and around the water. If you would like to include water and nature in your plans, this stretch of stream offers a specific point of reference. The Ganderpad also features river dunes and traces of the iron industry.
Local History and Historical Traces
The village of Gaanderen only developed in the second half of the 19th century around Martinuskerk on Kerkstraat. The iron industry is also part of local history: the presence of bog iron ore in the soil encouraged its development. At the Watertapweg–Hogeweg–Binnenweg intersection, an information board marks the former site of the Gaanderense grain mill. The board was installed in 2020 and shows a topographic map of the area as it was in 1905, as well as an aerial photograph from 2015. The map and aerial photograph offer two dated views of the area’s past.
The history of Bethlehem Monastery can also be explored on a route. The monastery was established near Gaanderen in 1179, between Kerkstraat and Kloosterlaan, and was completely destroyed in 1579 during the Eighty Years’ War. The “Rondom Klooster Bethlehem” route reveals remnants of the old moat system around the former monastery and runs parallel to the Bielheimerbeek for a stretch. The stream-side section thus adds a landscape perspective to the view of the remains.
The Herman van Velzen memorial plaque stands at the corner of Watertapweg and Frans Roesstraat, near the site where his birthplace once stood. A permanent location for the Vulcaansoord memorial plaque was found in 1996 on Slakweg, approximately at the edge of the former factory site’s outermost built-up area.
Fair and Other Local Highlights
For many years, the Schuttersgilde St. Martinus Gaanderen has traditionally organised the fair, which takes place on the second weekend of September. If you would like to plan your trip around the fair, check the dates for the relevant year. The De Pol sports and cultural centre in Gaanderen is suitable for a wide range of sports and cultural events. The approximately five-hectare Akkermansbeek nature park is also located in the area around Gaanderen and Terborg.
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