Babberich combines cultural history with a variety of landscape routes. On its eastern edge lies Landgoed Halsaf, an originally medieval house surrounded by a moat. The Babborgapad passes Huis Babberich and the Mariakapel; Knooppad 6 crosses the border through De Bijvanck to the area around Elten and back to the starting point. This gives you two distinct options when choosing a route: buildings and scenery along the Babborgapad, or a cross-border forest route.

Landscape and Hiking Routes

The protected Landgoed Halsaf is significant for the largely undisturbed historic layout of its landscaped grounds. The house is surrounded by meadows, gently rolling woodland, winding paths and a large pond. Other features include a striking octagonal dovecote and a unique family cemetery. At Halsaf, the landscape and buildings are therefore closely connected: several distinctive features of the estate complement the original house and define the site’s cultural and landscape character.

The Babborgapad is 6.11 kilometres long and starts at Babborgaplein in Babberich. Along the way, the route passes Huis Babberich and the Mariakapel, then follows the Kwartiersedijk, lined with old trees, and continues through meadows and woodland once frequented by smugglers. The route shifts from named buildings and a chapel to a tree-lined stretch and open and wooded sections. Parking is available at Kulturhus De Borg.

Knooppad 6 also starts at Babborgaplein, in front of the Franciscuskerk. The route passes through the De Bijvanck woodland, crosses the border and continues through German territory around Elten before returning to the starting point. Crossing the border and returning to the start give this route a different character from the Babborgapad, whose length and stops at Huis Babberich and the Mariakapel are specified. If you compare the two routes, you can choose based on their course and the places mentioned along the way.

Historic Buildings in Babberich

Havezate Camphuysen offers another architectural perspective. This late-medieval building stands on grounds surrounded by a moat. The estate includes a rectangular main building with a rear extension, an outbuilding and a partial enclosure. The building’s features include a hipped roof and a simple wooden turret. Partially cellared rooms with barrel vaults and a wooden spiral staircase complete the picture. The staircase dates from 1662; this date refers to the staircase, not to when the late-medieval building was constructed.

Halsaf and Camphuysen offer different points of interest: at Halsaf, the historic landscaped grounds, dovecote and family cemetery complement the house; at Camphuysen, the building’s various parts, vaulted rooms and dated spiral staircase define its architectural character. If you are interested in historic architecture, you can explore these features as distinct aspects of Babberich.

Local History and Planning Your Visit

The construction history of religious institutions also provides a timeline. The Capuchin monastery in Babberich was built between 1882 and 1885 and later replaced. The last service at Sint-Franciscuskerk was held on 27 June 2021; the church was deconsecrated. It is therefore no longer used for services.

A guided tour of Huis Babberich focuses on the house’s history, its residents and stories associated with Landgoed Halsaf. Before you travel, check whether and how a tour is offered. This keeps a possible visit dependent on the actual arrangements, while the two routes and historic buildings can be considered independently as themes for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Lathum, Giesbeek, Zevenaar

Return to the main travel overview: Zevenaar.