Wide views, winding dikes and monuments define the river landscape of Neder-Betuwe. On hikes and cycling routes, you’ll encounter old riverbeds, floodplains, riverbank ridges, and centuries-old fruit and tree-growing traditions. The routes vary in scenery, distance and historic stops.
Hiking among river floodplains and history
The Heuzesepad starts in Opheusden at the car park by the Roman watchtower De Spees, near Rijnbandijk 139b. Choose from hiking routes of 10, 11 or 14 kilometres. A replica of the watchtower recalls the time when the Roman northern frontier ran through this area. You can hike at De Spees at any time of year, as long as the water level is not too high.
De Spees is a river floodplain on the south side of the Nederrijn. Large expanses of water, created by gravel and clay extraction, provide a habitat for many waterbirds. The area also has a history of defence: the visible fortification is a Rijksmonument and part of the extension of the Grebbelinie.
Around Kesteren, the Marspad runs alongside old riverbeds and winding dikes and through an area of tree nurseries. The route also includes the Rhenen-Lienden ferry; a shorter option avoids the ferry. This lets you choose a route based on this specific option, without needing to assume a walking time.
The Uchtapad offers 7- or 12-kilometre hikes around Ochten and Eldik. It crosses the Waal floodplains, follows dikes and passes kolken. Along the way is an inundation sluice, a reminder of the days in May 1940 when parts of the Betuwe were flooded for defence.
The Hiensepad covers 8, 12 or 14 kilometres through Dodewaard, Hien and Wely, including the Waal floodplains and the Hiensche Uiterwaarden. The route passes the Kolk van de Geer, regarded as a scar left by a flood. The paths around Ochten and Dodewaard thus connect river landscapes with places that hold different memories.
Around Echteld, the Wijenburgsepad passes the site of the vanished village of Ooij. The route also takes in a centuries-old castle, impressive sluices and extensive floodplains. The Spanjaardspad XL brings together landscape and defence history: it runs through the rural outskirts of Neder-Betuwe, alongside the Nederrijn and Waal, old defence structures and floodplains. It follows a large part of the Mauritslinie, also known as the Oranje Limes, and connects several Klompenpaden.
Cycling routes, landscapes and local discoveries
There are also several routes to choose from by bike. In Neder-Betuwe, Overbetuwe and Buren, the Laanboomroute Betuwe passes through landscapes and areas devoted to growing avenue trees, as well as terraces and food and leisure venues. The Doorbraakkolkenroute Neder-Betuwe is 60 kilometres long, with shorter options of 30 or 36 kilometres. This offers several route lengths, while the route’s landscapes span three municipalities.
Doorbraakkolken, also known as wielen or waaien, are striking landscapes formed by breaches in dikes. The term refers to bodies of water formed in connection with such breaches. The landscape tells a story not only of rivers and dikes, but also of how profoundly they have shaped the area.
The Nationaal Fruitpark Ochten offers another way to discover the local culture. You can experience an orchard there and learn more about standard fruit trees, such as plum, cherry and pear trees. Visitors can also sample fruit and other treats on offer in the organically managed park. Which fruits are available may vary by season.
The Dodewaard-Druten ferry crosses the Waal for pedestrians and cyclists from April to September, on weekends and daily during the summer months. Check the latest departure times before travelling. In Opheusden, FietStop at the Veerhuis offers free parking, food and drinks, charging facilities for e-bikes, and minor bicycle repairs. Charging and repair services may change, so check in advance.
Discover more destinations: Kesteren, Echteld, Opheusden, Ochten, Lochem, Beuningen, Zutphen, Maasdriel.
For the regional travel overview: Gelderland.
