In Rossum, Slot Rossum lies in the heart of the village. Battlements, Gothic-looking windows and a moat define the castle’s eclectic style; it is also known locally as “the castle”. Behind the building, a path leads through the Slingerbos to the dike, with views over the Waal. You’ll also encounter the forest on the Zandslagenpad: where diverse flora and fauna are now the main features, Rossum Castle stood from the 13th century onwards.
Waterways and art by the water
De Zandmeren in Kerkdriel offers several ways to enjoy the water: there is a beach, a sunbathing lawn, toilets, places to eat and drink, and opportunities for fishing and swimming. A hand-operated ferry makes it possible to walk a circular route of about four kilometres around the bodies of water. If you plan this loop, check the local access conditions. Facilities and water conditions may change seasonally.
On the western edge of the municipality, Strandbad Well lies on an arm of the Afgedamde Maas. Swimming and surfing are available there, along with ample parking; the toilet facilities are open during the summer months. Before visiting, check the current water quality and bear in mind that the toilets are available only seasonally. Another discovery at De Zandmeren is the artwork “Blote keien”: seven distinctive groups of stones tell stories about nature and are part of an art trail for adults and children.
Castles, ruins and museum history
The buildings, too, tell different stories. The Ruïnekerk in Ammerzoden has been a ruin since the 17th century. Tall trees surround its natural setting; thanks to its elevated position, the church served as a refuge during floods. Kasteel Ammersoyen, by contrast, has the form of a medieval castle: four towers, a large knights’ hall and a moat define the complex. You can visit the castle independently, as part of a guided tour or during an event. Inside, you can see, among other things, the tower rooms, women’s quarters, armoury, dungeon and brewery cellar. Check event dates in advance.
The Schervenlab at Kasteel Ammersoyen also offers a special glimpse inside: volunteers and archaeologists piece together thousands of fragments found in the moat. Visitors may be able to take part; check in advance whether this is possible. The Driels Museum focuses on everyday life in the past. Five authentic displays include a school, a mayor’s office, a shop and a kitchen; hundreds of objects are also on show. Check the museum’s opening arrangements before travelling. The reconstructed grocer’s shop display uses the shop fittings from Gebr. De Gier on the Maasbanddijk, opposite the ferry house.
The Historisch Museum Hedel is housed in Hedel’s former town hall, a building dating from 1883. Its collection includes objects from the period of the first settlement of old Hatalle, or Hedilla, archaeological finds from the excavated remains of Hedel’s former castle, as well as historical prints, topographical maps, coins and coin dies. The museums thus bring together recreated scenes of everyday life and finds and documents from different periods.
Walking and cycling: compare routes
On the Eiland van Alem, a walking path of about three kilometres runs between De Steeg and St. Odradastraat. At eleven kilometres, the Baanbrekerpad is considerably longer and leads through the countryside around Ammerzoden and Well. Along the way, the landscape is shaped by river ridges, former riverbeds, remnants of earlier dike breaches and defensive works. The Baanbrekerpad is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs; waterproof, sturdy footwear is recommended. As trail conditions can change, check the latest route information before setting out.
The Piekenwaard connects to the walking path from Alem. Gates, stiles, signposts, a staircase in the dike and fencing have been installed there for walkers; the parking facilities have also been improved. Before your visit, check whether the current access conditions are suitable. Together with the roughly three-kilometre loop on the Eiland van Alem and the longer Baanbrekerpad, it offers a choice of routes whose stated distances make it easy to compare them.
Cycling routes also differ in length and course. The 72-kilometre Bommelse dijken route starts at the De Zandmeren recreation area and follows the dikes through the Bommelerwaard. The 56-kilometre Bommelerwaardse Veerpontjesroute starts at Van Gent Watersport, includes ferry crossings and passes through Ammerzoden and by the old Fort Sint Andries. One route therefore links a start at De Zandmeren with a stretch along the dikes, while the other includes ferries and historic stops along the way.
Discover more destinations: Rossum, Hurwenen, Kerkdriel, Ammerzoden, Hedel, Alem, Well, Heerewaarden.
For the full travel overview: Gelderland.
