Near Westervoort, the Nederrijn and IJssel divide. A set of regulations governs how the water is distributed there and helps regulate water levels. The agreed distribution is two-thirds for the Nederrijn and one-third for the IJssel; operational arrangements may be revised. In this way, the river landscape connects the scenery with the topic of water management.
Riverside scenery and trails
Driegaarden lies just outside the village of Westervoort. A hill offers wide-ranging views over the surrounding area. The start of the walking trail to Driegaarden is also clearly located: it is 500 metres from Westervoort railway station. The viewpoint and trail offer different ways to experience the area—one from the hilltop, the other along a route through the landscape.
The Pleijenpad runs through the dynamic, ever-changing river landscape around Westervoort. During high water, its section through the floodplains is inaccessible; the marked alternative route along the cycle path is then used. If you plan to take this route, check water levels and route information in advance.
On the outskirts of Westervoort lies De Waaij, a swimming lake. Children can swim there too. Check local bathing conditions before your visit and pay attention to supervision and safety.
History and events
The monumental church building on Dorpstraat is a historic structure. Its history probably began in the 8th century. Around 1400, a Gothic-style priest’s choir, probably oriented to the east, was built behind the church. From 1854 to 1857, the church underwent extensive reconstruction and restoration. These different dates tell the story of a long building history, whose early beginnings and medieval design have been passed down as probable.
Huize Vredenburg is first mentioned in 1440. The present-day building was probably an outbuilding that was later converted into a farm. Exhibitions and concerts are regularly held at Huize Vredenburg; the programme may change. Fort Geldersoord points to another part of local history: it was built to protect the inlet at Gelders Oort in Westervoort.
Events also offer different highlights. The Kunstroute Westervoort takes place every odd-numbered year in spring. At some locations, there are demonstrations or an opportunity to take part in a small workshop. At Muziek in de Tuin, musicians perform at eight locations in Westervoort. The event takes place in even-numbered years on a Sunday in May or June; visitors can travel between locations on foot or by bicycle. The two events therefore differ both in frequency and in their seasonal timing. Check the specific event dates before travelling.
Further information
There are marked walking trails around Westervoort. Cycle routes following the junction network and day trips also start in the village. The Liemers region also offers numerous cycling routes along the water and over dikes, including routes with ferry crossings and routes passing farms and mills. The municipality of Westervoort directs visitors to the “Kijk verder in de Liemers” portal for cycling and walking routes, stories about water, Roman finds and an events calendar.
Discover more destinations: Westervoort, Scherpenzeel, Harderwijk, Montferland, Heerde, Aalten, Nijmegen, Elburg.
For the broader travel overview: Gelderland.
