Westervoort combines nature watching and walking trails with a layered history of buildings and waterworks. The Driegaarden nature area lies on the edge of town near the IJssel; historic sites such as the Sint-Werenfriedkerk, Huize Vredenburg and Fort Geldersoord add to the picture of the landscape. This lets you shape your stay around your own interests, with time in the countryside, a hike or a focus on history.

Nature and the waterside landscape

Driegaarden lies on the edge of Westervoort, near the IJssel. A walk uphill offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. Nature watching is another option: storks, herons and cormorants can be spotted there, and kingfishers may be seen and heard. Its biodiversity makes Driegaarden a destination in its own right for anyone who wants to pay attention to wildlife during a visit.

The Schans can still be identified today, both inside and outside the dikes, by changes in elevation and reconstructions. Outside the dikes, a section of the Pleijdijk follows the remains of a bastion from the former Fort Geldersoord. These traces tell the story of how the landscape was used in the past, though its history cannot be read from a single structure alone.

The Hondsbroeksche Pleij is also part of the landscape near Westervoort: it lies where the Nederrijn and IJssel divide. The river's name and the location at this division give the area a distinctive geographical connection. For a different perspective on the waterside landscape, the Rondje Westervoort route leads to the distribution structure and the point where the Rijn and IJssel divide; there, you can enjoy a lovely view across the Rhine.

Routes with different characteristics

The twelve-kilometre Klompenpad walking route Pleijenpad passes through the floodplains, Horsterpark and farmland on the outskirts of Westervoort. This brings together several landscape impressions on one walking route. Set aside a dedicated part of your visit for the route, and check the route conditions and details before setting out.

The Rondje Westervoort route runs mostly along cycle paths. Its stated destination is the distribution structure at the point where the Rijn and IJssel divide, from where the view opens out across the Rhine. Unlike the Pleijenpad, which is defined by its length and the changing scenery of floodplains, parkland and farmland on the outskirts, this route is characterised by its cycle paths and the view from the water structure.

Buildings and history

The Sint-Werenfriedkerk is considered Westervoort's oldest monument. Its current pseudo-basilica dates from 1475; the church underwent extensive restoration between 1854 and 1857. These two dates mark different chapters in its construction history: the creation of its current form and a later major restoration.

Huize Vredenburg was first mentioned in 1440, when it was a havezate, or residence of a member of the recognised knightly class. Alongside this historical connection, it also has a cultural use today: exhibitions and concerts are regularly held at Huize Vredenburg. If you would like to plan a visit around one of these events, check the dates in advance.

Fort Geldersoord was built between 1741 and 1742 to protect an inlet sluice. Water from the Rhine could be channelled through this sluice to flood the area between Westervoort and Doesburg. The fort can therefore be understood as part of the historic water defence system: the fort, sluice and planned use of the water all served a shared purpose. Together with the visible traces at the Schans and Pleijdijk, this history offers another way to explore the landscape.

For the wider travel overview: Westervoort.