A pointed-arch gateway from the 14th century, Renaissance decorations on a house and a three-aisled Late Gothic basilica reveal the diversity of architectural forms in Zaltbommel. These are complemented by historic fortifications and several walking routes. As a result, visitors exploring the city can choose to focus on architecture, urban history or themed trails.
Trade, the Hanseatic League and the harbour
In the 13th century, Zaltbommel developed into an important trading city and held city rights. In the 15th century, the city became an important Hanseatic town. The harbour is also part of the history of transporting goods by water: in the past, it played an important role in water-based activities, including the transshipment of sand and gravel.
Architectural forms and façade details
The Maarten van Rossemhuis was built by Maarten van Rossem between 1535 and 1540. Its façade features Renaissance decorations, including carved cherubs and classical heads. At the Waterpoort, the focus is on the structure’s form: it is a pointed-arch gateway from the 14th century. The Sint-Maartenskerk, in turn, is a three-aisled basilica in the Lower Rhine Late Gothic style. “Three-aisled” describes its layout, with a nave and side aisles; the style designation places its design in an art-historical context. These examples can therefore be distinguished by various features: façade decoration, arch shape, and floor plan and style.
Stadswallen and routes through the city
Zaltbommel’s historic fortifications were converted into a park in the 19th century, thereby preserving them. A dedicated walking and tree route along the Stadswallen passes fourteen notable trees. The Gootspokenroute offers a different theme: in the centre of Zaltbommel, it passes ghost figures hanging, sitting or lying on the gutters of around thirty houses. The routes therefore differ both in their themes and in what they focus on along the way.
For a longer walk, the 42-kilometre Struinroute Vuren–Zaltbommel can be started at the Beersteeg car park in Zaltbommel. Route and seasonal access conditions may change; check them before setting out. A guided city walk through the fortified town of Zaltbommel takes place on the first Saturday of every month from April through October. Check the specific dates before travelling.
Art and other discoveries
The Fiep scavenger hunt is a family-oriented activity that takes visitors through the city of Fiep Westendorp. The Kunstrondje Zaltbommel features studios, galleries and a museum in the Zaltbommel fortress. The Kunstrondje takes place on the first Sunday of every month from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.; check the participating venues before your visit. For planning purposes, the events offer different date options: the city walk takes place on the first Saturday and is limited to April through October, while the Kunstrondje takes place on the first Sunday of the month.
Finding your way around the Bommelerwaard
Tourist Info Bommelerwaard helps visitors find their way around the Bommelerwaard and offers various route maps, brochures and general information. Check Tourist Info Bommelerwaard’s opening hours in advance.
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