Lathum can be seen as a destination combining river landscapes, water activities and local history. In Koppenwaard, the landscape is shaped by a floodplain along the upper IJssel, open meadows and more sheltered areas; Rhederlaag offers opportunities for swimming and waterside recreation. Other highlights include the Giesepad, an official walking route, and historic buildings. To start planning, it helps to decide whether you are choosing Lathum primarily for its landscapes, its waters or its history.

Floodplains and walking routes around Lathum

Koppenwaard lies near Lathum in a bend of the IJssel. Alongside open meadows, there are more sheltered areas with groups of trees and hedges. You can take in a view of Koppenwaard from the Bandijk. This offers a look at the different landscape areas without requiring a walk through the terrain. The grounds of the former brickworks in Koppenwaard are currently inaccessible for safety reasons, so do not plan to visit them as a walkable side trip.

For walks, the Giesepad is a distinct point of reference: since mid-2024, it has been the official walking route through Lathum and Giesbeek. This provides a clearly designated walking route in addition to the view of the landscape from the Bandijk. Koppenwaard and the Giesepad are different aspects of planning: the former focuses on the floodplain, while the latter is a route through both villages.

Rhederlaag: Swimming and Water Activities

Rhederlaag is directly connected to the IJssel. Water tourists can enter the area from the IJssel between river kilometre markers 896 and 897. In summer, walkers and cyclists can also take the pedestrian and bicycle ferry across the IJssel between Rheden and Lathum. If you plan to use either option, check the current ferry timetable in advance.

Rhederlaag is an official bathing site. During the bathing season, from 1 May to 1 October, water quality is checked regularly; if you are planning a day of swimming, it is worth checking the latest notices. At Rhederlaag, you can swim, relax on sandy beaches or take a boat trip on the IJssel. Rhederlaag also has visitor facilities such as toilets and showers.

Another option on the Rhederlaagse Meren is a team activity: you can build a seaworthy raft there and explore the lakes. The route to the naturist beach runs via Muggenwaard in Lathum. These different offerings give you several ways to plan your visit: swimming and relaxing by the shore, a boat trip on the river or a group activity on the lakes.

Church and Historic Manor

The church in Lathum has been a Rijksmonument since 1966. Its oldest part is the choir: originally, it was a small chapel dedicated to Mary that belonged to the castle of the Lords of Lathum. The church is open to everyone during services. If you would like to see inside, plan your visit around a service.

Another historical landmark is Huis te Lathum, a manor with a history dating back to the 13th century. The building is a restored Rijksmonument. Together with the history of the church choir, it offers insight into different historic buildings in Lathum, though this does not mean that the same visiting arrangements apply to both places.

When to Visit and Find Accommodation

If you are looking for a hotel in Lathum, start by deciding on your priorities and travel dates. Summer is the relevant season for the pedestrian and bicycle ferry; the bathing season, when water quality is checked regularly, runs from 1 May to 1 October. These dates relate to different activities. If you have specific plans, check the ferry timetable or the latest bathing notices to make sure your travel dates suit the activity that matters most to you.

Discover more destinations: Babberich, Zevenaar, Giesbeek.

Back to the main travel overview: Zevenaar.